PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
A comprehensive public health program targeting
N. fowleri is difficult considering the widespread presence of the organism
in water and soil, as well as the fact that exposure is frequent but usually
does not cause disease. Its prevalence, as well as the fact that it may have
an animal reservoir, make eradication of the organism not a reasonable goal
at this point.
However, the following public health
measures are suggested:
- Public education to raise awareness of the risks of
swimming or diving in warm, fresh water (not just N. fowleri, but also risks
of many other bacterial and protozoal infections)
- Awareness of health professionals, particularly in
suspecting the disease in individuals who present the clinical signs of
acute bacteria meningitis and have a recent history of swimming in warm,
fresh water.
- Proper chlorination of public water supplies, especially
public swimming pools
In addition, individuals are advised to take
the following person prevention measures:
- Do not swim or dive into warm, fresh water (ponds,
unchlorinated swimming pools, etc.)
- When diving into water, hold your nose or use nose
plugs