How to protect yourself from Naegleria fowleri when swimming?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

To reduce your risk of Naegleria fowleri infection, avoid swimming in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs, especially during summer months. Most importantly, prevent water from entering your nose by using nose clips, keeping your head above water, or plugging your nostrils shut.

Naegleria fowleri is rare but nearly always fatal, and its early symptoms—headache, fever, nausea, and stiff neck—can mimic common illnesses like the flu or meningitis. Because early recognition is critical, don't guess about symptoms you or a loved one may be experiencing. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if your symptoms need urgent care Discover if swimming-related symptoms suggest infection See what could cause these waterborne symptoms Find OTC options for symptom relief Find a doctor for infection symptoms Discover medically valid home remedies Understand if it could be Naegleria fowleri

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Explanation

Naegleria fowleri is a tiny organism that can cause a serious brain infection. It is often found in warm freshwater like lakes and hot springs. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms after water activities, consider using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help understand what might be going on. To stay safe, it's important to take some precautions.

Avoid Warm Freshwater: Try to avoid swimming in warm freshwater where Naegleria fowleri is more likely to be found.
Prevent Water Entry: Keep water from going up your nose. You can do this by holding your nose shut, using nose clips, or keeping your head above water.
Be Cautious with Water Activities: Be extra careful when jumping or diving into water, as this can force water up your nose.

These steps can help lower the risk of infection. Always be cautious when in or around freshwater, especially in warmer climates.

(References)

Alanazi A, Younas S, Ejaz H, Alruwaili M, Alruwaili Y, Mazhari BBZ, et al. (2025). Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global .... Journal of infection and public health, 39913985.
Yoder JS, Blackburn BG, Craun GF, Hill V, Levy DA, Chen N, et al. (2004). Surveillance for waterborne-disease outbreaks associated .... Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Surveillance summaries (Washington, D.C. : 2002), 15499306.
Daft BM, Visvesvara GS, Read DH, Kinde H, Uzal FA, & Manzer MD. (2005). Seasonal meningoencephalitis in Holstein cattle caused by .... Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, 16475525.

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