As temperatures climb across Western Australia, people are urged to take precautions around untreated or poorly treated water to protect themselves from deadly amoebic meningitis.
The rare but potentially fatal infection is linked to warm, fresh water sources and is caused by a type of organism called Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
If forced up the nose in warm fresh water, it can cause inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.
WA Health Executive Director of Environmental Health, Tanya Gillett said the amoeba can be present in a range of warm freshwater environments when temperatures exceed 28°C.
"These organisms can occur naturally in lakes, rivers and farm dams, but may also be found in garden hoses, spas, and poorly maintained swimming or wading pools during hot weather," Ms Gillett said.
"Any warm fresh water should be treated as a potential risk, particularly if water is forced up the nose."
People living in rural or regional areas who rely on tank, bore or dam water are at higher risk, as are those using inadequately chlorinated pools or spas.
"Children and young people are more commonly exposed due to water play and activities that increase the chance of water entering the nose," Ms Gillett said.
"Shallow paddling pools can also pose a risk if they are left standing in the sun for extended periods."
The amoeba does not survive in water that is clean, well maintained and properly chlorinated.
While Western Australia has not recorded a case of amoebic meningitis since the 1980s, WA Health continues to encourage people to remain vigilant to reduce the risk of infection.
Simple steps to reduce risk include:
- - Run sprinklers and hoses until cool water flows, before playing in water.
- - Don't squirt water up noses.
- - Prevent water going up your nose –walk or lower yourself into water, don't dive or jump.
- - Swim in the ocean or chlorinated pools, rather than fresh water.
- - Closely monitor and check (external site) that pool and spa chlorine levels are in a safe range.
- - Disinfect swimming pool and spa water with chlorine regularly.
- - Clean wading pools and dry them in the sun after each use.
- - Flush out pipes before showering and bathing.
- - Don't use tap water to rinse out nasal passages, use sterile, distilled water or saline.
- - Don't swim in dirty water including dams, rivers, or lakes.
- - Don't dig or stir up sediment in fresh water sources.
- - Avoid putting your head under water when swimming in fresh water sources.
