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Heat resistant brain eating amoebae could spread worldwide as water systems age

Science
Published on 2 May 2026
Heat resistant brain eating amoebae could spread worldwide as water systems age

Chlorine resistance may let them survive longer than expected

Scientists are sounding the alarm over heat resistant free living amoebae, including Naegleria fowleri, as warming climates and aging water infrastructure improve their survival. While most strains are harmless, some can cause rare but deadly infections. Researchers say that because these microbes can withstand heat and disinfectants, countries need faster surveillance and water treatment upgrades to prevent outbreaks.

  • Warming temperatures and outdated water systems may boost amoeba survival
  • Some free living amoebae can cause deadly infections
  • Chlorine resistance makes standard disinfection less reliable
  • Experts urge upgrades to monitoring and water treatment
Read the full story at Republic

This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on RepublicRepublic

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