Sometimes it feels like if it’s not one thing, it’s another, right? It has just been reported by the Department of Health that a confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri in Florida has been found, which is an often-fatal amoeba that attacks the brain. But before you begin to panic, let’s talk facts and what you can do to avoid exposing yourself to the places where this brain-eating amoeba is most commonly found.

An often fatal microscopic single-celled amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri nicknamed the “brain-eating amoeba” was just recently confirmed in Florida this past weekend by the Florida Department of Health.
Wikipedia CDC
Since the 1960s, there have only been less than 40 confirmed cases of this amoeba in Florida—this one was confirmed in Hillsborough County.
While there aren’t too many more details surrounding the confirmed case, here is what we do know about this brain-destroying amoeba.
Flickr Specious Reasons
Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in freshwater bodies of water—rivers, ponds, and lakes.

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People who commonly swim in these freshwater sources should be aware of the possible presence of the amoeba, most commonly when the water is warm.
Flickr jaygannett
The amoeba enters the body through the nasal passages, so you can avoid contraction by preventing nasal contact with these bodies of water.
Naegleria fowleri enters through the nose and travels to the brain, which causes a rare infection that destroys brain tissue.
Flickr Specious Reasons
According to the Department of Health, the peak season for the amoeba is July through September, when bodies of water in the southern states are usually at their warmest.
If you can, pinch your nose when playing in warm freshwater or entering a body of water just in case.
Flickr Florida Fish & Wildlife
Naegleria fowleri is extremely fatal, with only four cases of survival out of 143 known cases in the United States so make sure to use extreme caution when swimming in Florida.

To find out more information about Naegleria fowleri in Florida and to stay informed, check out this information from the Florida Department of Health.

What do you think about Naegleria fowleri? Is it terrifying enough to stay out of the water? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.

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Hillsborough County, FL, USA