The Baja California Department of Health urges people not to swim in drains and canals; it can give them meningitis.

 Mexicali, June 29.- In light of rising temperatures, the Ministry of Health is urging the public to use certified swimming pools for recreational activities and avoid swimming in wells and canals, in order to prevent meningitis caused by free-living amoeba (FLA).

It is of utmost importance that the population follow recommendations to prevent illnesses common during the summer season, since high temperatures favor the proliferation of AVL in bodies of water such as wells, canals, and lagoons, said J. Adrián Medina Amarillas, Secretary of Health.

He added that the amoeba that causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is called "Naegleria Fowleri," which enters the body through the nose, traveling to the brain, where it causes the disease in healthy people, which can have fatal consequences.

He explained that the disease is acquired by swimming, jumping, diving, or snorkeling in canals, wells, or in pools with poor hygiene. Its main symptoms are: severe headache, fever above 39 degrees Celsius, weakness, general malaise, projectile vomiting, stiff neck, mental disturbances, seizures, and coma.

Therefore, he reiterated his call to the community to avoid bathing in wells and canals, as people have been detected who, despite the recommendations issued, continue to use these places for recreation.

Finally, Medina Amarillas mentioned that if you experience the first symptoms, you should go to your nearest health center for immediate medical attention.