Does Naegleria fowleri infection peak during winter?
Jul 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
The organism commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba" is medically referred to as Naegleria fowleri. Under normal circumstances, Naegleria fowleri infections are not particularly common during winter. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid swimming, washing the face, or performing nasal irrigation in bodies of water with unknown water quality, especially in hot springs, untreated lakes, and rivers. When using tap water for facial hygiene in daily life,尽量 avoid allowing water to enter the nasal cavity.
The "brain-eating amoeba" is clinically referred to as Naegleria fowleri. Under normal circumstances, Naegleria fowleri is not commonly seen in winter. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Naegleria fowleri typically thrives in warm aquatic environments. Common routes of infection include water entering the nasal cavity forcefully while diving, jumping, or swimming in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, hot springs, and rivers, or using untreated tap water for nasal irrigation. Its growth and reproduction require suitable temperature conditions. During winter, cold weather lowers water temperatures, making the aquatic environment unsuitable for the survival and reproduction of the amoeba. Therefore, winter is not a high-incidence period for Naegleria fowleri.
Nevertheless, it is still important to avoid swimming, washing the face, or performing nasal irrigation in water bodies with unknown quality, especially in hot springs, untreated lakes, or rivers. When using tap water for facial washing in daily life, try to avoid getting water into the nasal cavity to reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri entering the body through the nasal passages.
