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What Are The Chances Of Getting Infected With Naegleria Fowleri After Accidentally Injecting Tap Water Into The Nose?
Question: Today, while using my Waterpik, I accidentally "shot" tap water into my nose & sinus cavity. My concern is if there may be Naegleria Fowleri present in the tap water.
My concern is exacerbated by the fact that the water has been sitting in the Waterpik resevoir for at least 2-3 weeks, it is not fresh tap water.
I am in XXXXXXX if that is relevant to assessing the situation. Does anyone know if there is a chance that N. Fowleri may be present in the water?
Also, since I still have the resevoir of water, should I take it somewhere (where?) to get tested for the presence of N. Fowleri within it?
P.s. I have also tried excessively blowing my nose to evacuate said water; would that have any effect or lower risk?
Thanks for your time and help.
My concern is exacerbated by the fact that the water has been sitting in the Waterpik resevoir for at least 2-3 weeks, it is not fresh tap water.
I am in XXXXXXX if that is relevant to assessing the situation. Does anyone know if there is a chance that N. Fowleri may be present in the water?
Also, since I still have the resevoir of water, should I take it somewhere (where?) to get tested for the presence of N. Fowleri within it?
P.s. I have also tried excessively blowing my nose to evacuate said water; would that have any effect or lower risk?
Thanks for your time and help.
Brief Answer:
Very low chance getting the infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri ) is a very rare amebic infection that causes meningoencephalitis. The infection mostly occurs in a healthy male children (age less than 13 years) swimming in warm, untreated or poorly disinfected water but very rarely the infection has been reported N. fowleri entering the nose with contaminated water while rinsing. There are more than 40 species but only one type causes the disease. Since 1960s up to 2017 there were around 150 cases, most cases were reported, about half from XXXXXXX and Florida. California has also been reported existence of N. fowleri infection.
Unfortunately, much is not known how N. fowleri causes disease. There is susceptibility of the people to N. fowleri infection. Even swimming in the same pool or using the same tap water only very few people get infected. You have very low chance to get the infection.
N. fowleri may be present in the water that you used. Rinsing nasal cavity with sterile water may decrease the risk. If you are really concerned you may take the sample of the water and get it checked in public health laboratories for the existence of N. fowleri.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you
Very low chance getting the infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Naegleria fowleri (N. fowleri ) is a very rare amebic infection that causes meningoencephalitis. The infection mostly occurs in a healthy male children (age less than 13 years) swimming in warm, untreated or poorly disinfected water but very rarely the infection has been reported N. fowleri entering the nose with contaminated water while rinsing. There are more than 40 species but only one type causes the disease. Since 1960s up to 2017 there were around 150 cases, most cases were reported, about half from XXXXXXX and Florida. California has also been reported existence of N. fowleri infection.
Unfortunately, much is not known how N. fowleri causes disease. There is susceptibility of the people to N. fowleri infection. Even swimming in the same pool or using the same tap water only very few people get infected. You have very low chance to get the infection.
N. fowleri may be present in the water that you used. Rinsing nasal cavity with sterile water may decrease the risk. If you are really concerned you may take the sample of the water and get it checked in public health laboratories for the existence of N. fowleri.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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