this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2024
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[–] [email protected] 11 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Typically found in warm freshwater bodies such as ponds or badly managed pools, lakes, rivers, hot springs, warm water discharge from industrial or power plants, geothermal well water, poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated swimming pools with residual chlorine levels under 0.5 mg/m3, water heaters, soil, and pipes connected to tap water, it can exist in either an amoeboid or temporary flagellate stage.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri

To feed, N. fowleri uses specialized structures on the surface of its cell body, called simply “food-cups.” These are suction-cup like features that ensnare and absorb food. The protist also oozes enzymes that burst and destroy human cells and nerves.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/07/brain-eating-amoeba-kills-again-heres-how-it-kills-and-how-to-avoid-it/

*Also, it just eats your immune system. So...