Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba,’ is a free-living microscopic amoeba generally found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

It can result in a rare yet often fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain.

Naegleria fowleri mainly affects children and youngsters, though it can infect people of any age.

Interestingly, Naegleria fowleri is not harmful if ingested.

It does not spread from person to person either.