With large areas of the state currently impacted by a heatwave, Western Australians are being reminded 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's Executive Director Environmental Health, Dr Michael Lindsay said this type of organism could grow in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and farm dams, but also in backyard garden hoses, spas, and in swimming and wading pools, in temperatures above 28˚C.
"People should assume that any water in hot weather could contain amoeba and take precautions by not allowing water to be forced up the nose," Dr Lindsay said.
"At particular risk are people in rural areas who have their own tank, dam or bore water supply, including those living on farms and people with poorly maintained swimming pools.
"It can affect people of any age however children and young people are usually more susceptible due to their increased use of swimming pools and engaging in activities that could force water up the nose."
Dr Lindsay said shallow wading pools are particularly at risk if they have been left in the sun for a long time.
"The amoeba that causes the illness does not survive in water that is well chlorinated, clean of dirt and debris," he said.
"Fortunately, there has not been a case of amoebic meningitis in Western Australia since the 1980s, however, it's important to remain vigilant as there is always a risk of infection."
The best way to avoid infection is:
- 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.
