Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : August 21, 2025 9:57 AM IST
Brain-Eating Amoeba: After a test found the presence of the deadly microorganism Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, in treated drinking water, officials in Queensland's Charleville and Augathella have issued a public health notice to prevent and reduce the risk of the deadly disease in the country.
"Murweh Shire Council is advising residents and visitors to Charleville and Augathella that Naegleria fowleri, a rare but potentially harmful organism, has recently been detected in the town water supplies," the community health notice stated.
"This detection follows a comprehensive water quality project commissioned by Queensland Health and undertaken by a Queensland university."
A Queensland Health spokesperson told a leading media outlet, "There is minimal risk to the community as long as people don't allow water to go up their nose when bathing, showering or washing their face."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the 'brain-eating amoeba' breeds in warm freshwater lakes between 25 C and 40 C. This microorganism is the key factor that causes an infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), which attacks the brain of humans, often leading to 97% fatality so far.
Early signs of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, but as PAM progresses, advanced symptoms of the brain-eating amoeba infection may include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, and hallucinations.
"Brain infections caused by Naegleria fowleri usually occur after someone goes swimming or diving in a lake, river, or other fresh water during the summer months. Infections often happen when it's been hot for long periods, resulting in higher water temperatures and lower water levels," the CDC states.
"A few infections have occurred when people used tap water that contained Naegleria fowleri to rinse their sinuses or cleanse their nasal passages. In very rare instances, people have become infected from recreational water like splash pads and a surf park that did not have enough chlorine. You cannot get a Naegleria fowleri infection from swallowing water containing the ameba. You also can't get an infection from someone else or pass it on to others."
