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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffNaegleria infection causes a disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (muh-ning-go-un-sef-uh-LIE-tis). This disease causes brain inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.
Generally beginning within one to two weeks of exposure to the amoeba, signs and symptoms of naegleria infection may include:
- A change in the sense of smell or taste
- Fever
- Sudden headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Sleepiness
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
These signs and symptoms can progress rapidly. They typically lead to death within three to seven days.
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting.
- Fact sheet: Naegleria infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http:www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/naegleria/factsht_naegleria.htm. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Naegleria Workgroup. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis - Arizona, Florida and Texas, 2007. Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report. 2008:21;573.
- Solaymani-Mohammadi S, et al. Naegleria fowleri. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177544974-4/936603208/1679/273.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50272-1_4741. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Weisse ME, et al. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177544974-4/936603208/1608/712.html#. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Leder K, et al. Free living amebas. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
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