Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, I Am A 25 Year Old Female. I%E2%80%99m Scared
Question: hi,
I am a 25 year old female. I%E2%80%99m scared I contracted Naegleria Fowleria. I went swimming in a lake 5 days ago. I don%E2%80%99t have any major symptoms like fever, headache, nausea. But today I would randomly smell sulfur.. I was googling and read the connection between the oflactory nerve being damaged from amobeias and changes in smell. I cant tell if im just being anxious or if ive really been affected.
I am a 25 year old female. I%E2%80%99m scared I contracted Naegleria Fowleria. I went swimming in a lake 5 days ago. I don%E2%80%99t have any major symptoms like fever, headache, nausea. But today I would randomly smell sulfur.. I was googling and read the connection between the oflactory nerve being damaged from amobeias and changes in smell. I cant tell if im just being anxious or if ive really been affected.
Brief Answer:
Brain amebiasis is very unlikely but seeing your doctor is advisable
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Brain ameba infection is a rare infection with only around 150 cases in the last 4-5 decades, so chances are very slim you may have taken the infection.
As you mentioned, the typical signs are those of bacterial meningitis such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. Phantosmia (sensing odors that are not in the environment), may be from different causes from olfactory nerve damage (neurological conditions) to anxiety.
On the other hand, it is crucial that you talk to your doctor and get examined as soon as possible, to make sure of the real cause of your symptoms and get properly treated if treatment is necessary. Brain ameba, even though very rare, may happen with swimming in fresh water lakes and early diagnosis and treatment is vital.
To conclude:
It is a very small chance your symptoms are due to brain amebiasis and phantosmia may be a symptom of many other conditions, but talking with your doctor and having proper examinations is needed.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Brain amebiasis is very unlikely but seeing your doctor is advisable
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Brain ameba infection is a rare infection with only around 150 cases in the last 4-5 decades, so chances are very slim you may have taken the infection.
As you mentioned, the typical signs are those of bacterial meningitis such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc. Phantosmia (sensing odors that are not in the environment), may be from different causes from olfactory nerve damage (neurological conditions) to anxiety.
On the other hand, it is crucial that you talk to your doctor and get examined as soon as possible, to make sure of the real cause of your symptoms and get properly treated if treatment is necessary. Brain ameba, even though very rare, may happen with swimming in fresh water lakes and early diagnosis and treatment is vital.
To conclude:
It is a very small chance your symptoms are due to brain amebiasis and phantosmia may be a symptom of many other conditions, but talking with your doctor and having proper examinations is needed.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
