Urgent Action Urged on Brain-Eating Amoebas as Warming Waters Expand Risk
Scientists warn that free-living amoebas, notably Naegleria fowleri, may pose a growing global health threat as hotter waters expand their habitats. Infections are rare but almost always fatal and occur when contaminated water enters the nose, not by drinking. Amoebas survive in biofilms and cysts, complicating elimination and enabling them to shield other pathogens. Climate change worsens the risk by creating more warm freshwater where people swim or splash, while routine monitoring remains limited due to cost and technical challenges. Prevention hinges on robust water chlorination, flushing hot water systems, safer nasal rinsing, and public awareness while researchers seek better detection and integrated environmental–clinical responses.