Gratwick Aquatic Centre closed due to health risk

The Town of Port Hedland has closed Gratwick Aquatic Centre until further notice following the detection of Naegleria fowleri in the dive pool.

Water tests have indicated a positive reading to the amoeba, resulting in the closure of the entire facility.

Community members who have visited the facility are advised to contact their general practitioner if they are feeling unwell.

According to Health NSW, the amoebae can only infect a human when it travels up the nasal passage, it cannot cause infection from drinking the water.

If water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri does go up the nose the chance of contracting the infection is still extremely small.

Children and young adults appear to be more susceptible to infection than older adults, it cannot spread from one person to another.

Naegleria fowleri causes the disease primary amoebic meningoencephilatis (PAM), a brain infection which leads to the destruction of brain tissue.

Initial symptoms of PAM start between one and nine days after infection and may include headache, fever, nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms may also include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.