News
Amoebic meningitis warning as water temperatures rise
Wednesday January 22, 2025
As temperatures soar across Western Australia, the WA Department of Health has issued a timely reminder to stay vigilant about water safety to avoid the rare but deadly amoebic meningitis. This potentially fatal infection, caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, thrives in warm freshwater environments, and the risk increases as water temperatures rise above 28˚C.
Dr Michael Lindsay, Executive Director of Environmental Health at WA Health, emphasised the importance of taking precautions around untreated or poorly treated water sources, including lakes, rivers, dams, backyard hoses, spas, and swimming pools.
“People should assume that any water in hot weather could contain amoeba and take precautions by not allowing water to be forced up the nose,” Dr Lindsay said.
“At particular risk are people in rural areas who have their own tank, dam or bore water supply, including those living on farms and people with poorly maintained swimming pools.”
Dr Lindsay said shallow wading pools are particularly at risk if they have been left in the sun for a long time.
“The amoeba that causes the illness does not survive in water that is well chlorinated, clean of dirt and debris,” he said.
“Fortunately, there has not been a case of amoebic meningitis in Western Australia since the 1980s, however, it’s important to remain vigilant as there is always a risk of infection.”
Children and young people are particularly at risk due to their frequent use of pools and water activities that may force water up their noses. Shallow wading pools left in the sun for extended periods can also become breeding grounds for the amoeba.
To minimise the risk, WA Health recommends the following safety measures:
- Allow sprinklers and hoses to run until cool water flows before use.
- Avoid squirting water up your nose or diving into water.
- Opt for chlorinated pools or ocean swimming rather than fresh water.
- Regularly disinfect and monitor chlorine levels in pools and spas.
- Dry wading pools in the sun after each use.
- Use sterile or distilled water for nasal rinsing instead of tap water.
- Avoid swimming in dirty or sediment-rich water like dams or rivers.
For further information about amoebic meningitis, visit Healthy WA.
