An extremely dangerous brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has been detected in town water supplies in two Australian towns. 

Residents of Charleville and Augathella, in the Murweh Shire 750km west of Brisbane, are reeling after the August announcement. 

Water tests undertaken in health facilities in both towns showed contamination with the organism, both inside the facilities and in town water entering the properties. 

The Murweh Shire Council has issued a public health notice warning of the danger. They are also conducting further testing and seeking expert advice in mitigating the risks to residents. 

What is Naegleria Fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism known as an amoeba. 

Warm, fresh water sources are at risk for contamination. This may include creeks, rivers, ponds, small dams and thermal pools with a temperature range of 25 to 40 degrees Celsius. 

Harmless to drink or touch, the organism causes havoc when it gains entry into a person’s nose. 

Its unique mechanism of accessing the brain sees it crossing the protective nasal epithelium, travelling the olfactory nerve and infecting the brain. Here it causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a dangerous brain infection with a significant fatality rate. 

Infected patients may present with a sore throat, headache, fever, vomiting, seizures, confusion, neck stiffness and changes to their sense of taste and smell. 

How to Avoid Infection

It is safe to drink water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri because it cannot survive in the digestive system. It is also safe to wash hands and clothes in the water. 

It is crucial to avoid allowing infected water into the nose, however.

Residents of Charleville and Augathella are advised to take extra care when showering and bathing. Splash pads, sprinklers and the use of nasal irrigation systems are to be avoided, with extra supervision of children around water sources to keep them safe. 

Globally, children are most likely to contract Naegleria fowleri induced primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, often from swimming in contaminated water. 

Can Water Treatments Remove Brain-Eating Amoeba from Water?

Treatment with a high-quality reverse osmosis can significantly reduce the risk of harmful amoeba in water supplies. 

In addition, UV treatment can damage the cell wall of the organism, reducing the likelihood that it will be able to cause harm. 

Experienced plumbers in Brisbane will be able to advise on the most suitable system for home water treatment, while commercial plumbers can help safeguard business premises.