Naegleria fowleri

Introduction

In the summer of 2007, 6 fatal cases of infection occurred in the United States, all young males (Medscape)

Hosts

Human and animal ^[1]

Transmission / Exposure Route

Naegleria fowleri infects people by entering the body through the nose.^[2] Person-to-person transmission is very rare.

Case Fatality Ratio

In the summer of 2007, 6 fatal cases of infection occurred in the United States, all young males^[3]

Incubation Period

1-7 days^[2]

Burden of Disease

The risk of Naegleria fowleri infection is very low. There have been 32 reported infections in the U.S. in the 10 years from 2001 to 2010.^[2]

Duration of Infectiousness and disease

Symptomology

Latency

Asymptomatic Rates

Excretion Rates (see Exposure)

Immunity

Microbiology

A microscopic ameba (single-celled living organism) that can cause a very rare, but severe, infection of the brain. Only one species (type) of Naegleria infects people: Naegleria fowleri.^[2]