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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Getting Dirty River Water Into The Nose Cause Naegleria Fowleri Infection?

What are my chances of getting an N. Fowleri (brain eating amoeba) infection? I was jumping into a small river in KY yesterday, and some water went way up my nose. The water was warm, and had been for days, and some people had been kicking up sediment upstream. I ve heard this is very rare, but I think that s just because it s rare to get dirty river water up your nose.
Wed, 4 Sep 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Based on the history you have shared, it's rare yet possible as it lives in freshwaters. Chlorinated water usage decreases incidence.

But it's difficult to chlorinate the whole river but pool etc it can be used as a precaution. In your case, you can do nasal rinses with clean chlorinated water, and use mouth washes for gargles as well.

Any onset of symptoms like fever, headache drowsiness should be discussed immediately with your primary care physician and neurological examination and brain imaging should be sought.

But the incidence is rare, and less than 0.1 percent. To carry out your usual routine meanwhile.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician
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Can Getting Dirty River Water Into The Nose Cause Naegleria Fowleri Infection?

Hi, Based on the history you have shared, it s rare yet possible as it lives in freshwaters. Chlorinated water usage decreases incidence. But it s difficult to chlorinate the whole river but pool etc it can be used as a precaution. In your case, you can do nasal rinses with clean chlorinated water, and use mouth washes for gargles as well. Any onset of symptoms like fever, headache drowsiness should be discussed immediately with your primary care physician and neurological examination and brain imaging should be sought. But the incidence is rare, and less than 0.1 percent. To carry out your usual routine meanwhile. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Saddiq Ulabidin, General & Family Physician