Naegleria fowleri, a free-living brain-eating amoeba, can cause an infection of the brain called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It affects people when the contaminated water enters the body through the nose. After entering the nose, it infects the brain causing PAM. It occurs commonly in people swimming or diving in warm freshwater places.
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I got tap water up my nose. Should I visit an ER?
Query: Hello doctor, I am in a subtropical state. As I was washing my face a few days ago, I accidentally got some tap water up my nose. Vaguely aware that there might be concerns about the Naegleria fowleri amoeba down here, I panicked and then took some bottled mineral water and tried to rinse my nose wi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Firstly, do not worry at all. Please let me know exactly how many days have passed after the exposure. Also, know these facts: Naegleria infection is very rare. Less than 200 cases are reported till date. It spreads very rapidly and symptoms appear within five to 10 d... Read Full »