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Infection Control Resources to Identify Naegleria fowleri in California

Microbiology Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	3/13/2025
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Infection Control Resources to Identify Naegleria fowleri in California
Introduction	LA Testing’s network of laboratories offers rapid PCR testing to identify this waterborne ameba from environmental samples to help protect the public from life-threatening infections.
Huntington Beach, California, March 13, 2025 Environmental Health Services (EHS) of San Bernardino County has published information about Naegleria fowleri, which is commonly referred to as the brain-eating ameba. While infections due to Naegleria fowleri are not common, the ameba has caused deaths in recent years in San Bernardino and other counties across California. According to EHS: You can get infected when you go swimming or diving in bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. If the body of water has N. fowleri, the amoeba can travel up your nose and into your brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the ameba can sometimes be found in warm water discharge from industrial plants, tap water, or other recreational water that is not treated or undertreated, such as some splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues. Naegleria fowleri can also grow in pipes, hot water heaters, and water systems, including treated public drinking water systems. “Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is the name of the brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Fortunately, these infections are rare, but when they do occur they are almost always fatal.” The good news is environmental samples can be tested for Naegleria fowleri utilizing exceptionally sensitive PCR techniques. These tests, offered by LA Testing’s network of laboratories, can be used proactively to help prevent infections or for quickly identifying the source of an infection if one has already occurred. These resources are available to health professionals, water utilities, water park operators, park districts, environmental professionals, and the public. LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about Naegleria fowleri and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Ycn-SFeZ1WM To learn more about Naegleria fowleri or other environmental testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.