A rare and potentially deadly microorganism known as the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has been detected in the drinking water supplies of two towns in south-west Queensland: Augathella and Charleville. This microscopic amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments and can cause a fatal brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Naegleria fowleri infects individuals when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain via the olfactory nerve. The resulting infection leads to severe brain inflammation and is almost always fatal, with symptoms appearing within three to seven days after exposure.

Importantly, Naegleria fowleri infections cannot be contracted through drinking contaminated water, as the amoeba must enter through the nasal passages. However, activities such as bathing, showering, or nasal irrigation that allow water to enter the nose may pose a risk in affected areas. Young children playing with water sprays or splash pads are also at potential risk.

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Australian drinking water supplies are regularly monitored and treated to prevent contamination, with guidelines recommending disinfection methods such as chlorination to control the amoeba. Authorities continue investigations to determine the source of the recent detections.

To minimize risk in natural freshwater bodies where the amoeba may be present, experts advise keeping the head above water, avoiding diving or jumping, and using nose clips if swimming underwater. The amoeba does not survive in saltwater or properly maintained, chlorinated swimming pools.

While the detection of Naegleria fowleri in Queensland’s water supply is cause for caution, it remains an exceedingly rare occurrence with a very low risk to the general public.

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