Can submerging head in a creek cause Naegleria infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son is seven years old. He has been at camp all week. Today they played in the creek. He said he put his head in the water, and it immediately concerned me about Naegleria fowleri. I remember a girl dying from it on a rafting trip with her family a few years ago. My son said he pecked his head in the water like a chicken. But he did not completely submerge his head in the water. Just put his face in the water and pulled it out quickly like a chicken pecking for food. I am trying to decide if I am being crazy. I have tied my stomach in knots, worrying that he may die of some ameba that could have gone in his nose. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Does he show any symptoms like fever, swelling in lymph nodes, or night sweats? Have you noticed anything unusual after the incident?

Please reply to me with the above-asked questions so I can better guide you. I wish good health to your son. Thanks.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

1) Is this the first time camping for him?

2) Or he used to go regularly?

3) Does he have any allergies?

4) Is he easily prone to viral infections?

Please reply to my above-asked questions so that I can guide you better.

Wishing good health to your son. Thanks.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Ok, no need to worry much about any infection, especially Naegleria fowleri. The incident about that girl happened how many days back? Is it in the same creek?

Answer 4

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. No need to worry at all. Nothing bad or any infection will happen to him. So do not worry about any infection. Do not overthink it. I hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. I wish good health to your son. Thanks.