Naegleria fowleri, also known as the "brain-eating amoeba," grows as temperatures begin to rise and can be found in still bodies of water.
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According to the CDC, once the amoeba enters the body, typically through the nose, it can cause a rare infection of the brain.
The Brazos River Authority said that while the infections are rare, they tend to primarily occur during the summer months.
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According to authorities, the infection cannot occur from drinking water.
PAM symptoms are similar to those of bacterial meningitis
Here are the most common symptoms for those infected with brain-eating amoebas:
- severe headache
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- seizures (in late stages)
- hallucinations (in late stages)
- coma (in late stages)
PAM is almost always deadly, officials say.
Three ways to avoid a PAM infection
While officials stress that these infections are very rare, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Purchase a nose clip to avoid getting water in your nose
- Consider skipping trips to hot springs, lakes and unchlorinated spas
- Run baths, shower taps and hoses for at least five minutes before use to flush the pipes