Can accidental entry of few drops of tap water cause PAM?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was washing dishes in the kitchen and water bounced off and one to two drops entered my nose and it felt like it went to my throat. I am now concerned about Naegleria fowleri or PAM. I know some people who have gotten it from tap water while rinsing their sinuses. I read that the amoeba has to travel all the way to the olfactory bulb. How far up is the olfactory bulb, and can possibly a drop or two travel all the way up there to cause infection?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The olfactory bulb lies above the roof of the nose. The distance between the nasal opening and the olfactory bulb is less than 3.9 inches. Do not worry. A few drops cannot produce an infection as you mentioned. To have an infection in the olfactory bulb or even in the sinuses by tap water, you have to be a patient with very, very weak immunity.

I hope this helps.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is hard for water to pass spontaneously upwards toward the olfactory bulb. The passages are narrow as these transmit olfactory nerve fibers from the nasal cavity to the olfactory bulb. The diameter of these passages is also very less.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and regards.