How Not To Worried About N. Fowleri?

Posted on Tue, 4 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Sep 2018 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Worried about N. fowleri. I was cleaning my room and dust got in my nose. I wet my finger with warm water and swabbed inside both nostrils and remembered this N. fowleri and then did the same thing with cold water because I remember it can be in water heaters. I’m worried.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but there is no need to worry as the risk of infection is only from infected water or the dust that is in close contact with infected water.. No infection is expected to be transmitted from regular dust that is not in contact with for example infected lake water.

I hope you find this helpful..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (33 hours later)

But it says this bacteria can exist in hot water heaters? Is it only possibly if I used a neti pot? I only cleaned my nose with my finger, so bacteria can not travel up nose?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No risk

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, hello again.. since you have only wet your finger and swabbed your nose then it is very unlikely that an infection is transmitted that way.. There is no need to worry. I hope I answered your question..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D