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Explained in plain English

What are the symptoms?

Initial symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection usually appear within 1 to 9 days after exposure and can include severe frontal headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, symptoms can worsen to include stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, and coma. Sadly, because the disease progresses rapidly, it's often diagnosed too late, as was likely the case for Lillian.

Stories that explain this

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Related explainers

Why are diagnoses rising? Why is diagnosis hard? What happens if MASLD isn't treated? What is MASLD? How does MASLD affect the liver? What is Naegleria fowleri? Where are outbreaks common? Why are oysters a risk?

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