As temperatures rise and people head to lakes, rivers, or water parks, a tiny but dangerous threat may be lurking in warm, untreated freshwater: Naegleria fowleri. Although infections are extremely rare, they are almost always fatal when they occur.
This so-called "brain-eating amoeba" causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease with a mortality rate of 97%. According to recent studies, climate change may be contributing to a global rise in PAM cases. But where is Naegleria fowleri found? What are the symptoms? And how can it be prevented?
If you're curious to learn the answers to these questions and more, click through this informative gallery.