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brain amoebas

Hi,

I am not sure if this is the proper place to post this, but I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the brain eating amoebas. Is it possible for these to be found in tap water? I thought my water tasted funny and I was trying to smell it and accidentally got some up my nose.

I have had a headache since it happened, so now I am worried that I got them.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
Best Answer
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? Naegleria fowleri, also known as "the brain-eating amoeba" is a free-living protist typically found in warm bodies of fresh water, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It is also found in soil, near warm water discharges of industrial plants, and minimally chlorinated swimming pools. It can invade and attack the human nervous system but this occurs rarely. Tap water usually undergoes processing that lessens the risk of acquiring the amoeba.  Over-the-counter pain medications and rest may help with your headache. However,if it persists, check with your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.
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1580703 tn?1651904887
I had a stool test positive for charcoal crystals and have been having memory/thinking problems.  does this mean I have an amoeba infection like E. Hystolica?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I went swimming 5 days ago in a lake, i dont think any water went up my nose, but i did swallow/choke on some 2 or 3 times. I wasnt really worried until i saw the news, I live in Texas, so the lake water was warm. I thought i was in the clear until one article said it can take up to 12 days for it to kill you.
Maybe I am paranoid, but i would rather be paranoid then die in a couple of days, since you almost never know you have it until it is too late, and there has only been one successful cure for it. Should i pay to go to the Doctor just in case, or should i wait and see if i get any of the symtoms? What are the symtoms? Do you think i even HAVE it? Any advice would help, Thanks I posted this as it own question with no reply so i am looking a questions simular to it and trying to get help. I noticed that 2 out of the 3 that have dies recently were under 18, im 14. I dont know if it has anything to do with age, or if it is like most illnesses and usually occurs in the very young or the old.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One of the symptons of having any type of parasite is anxiety.  I dont blame you for being paranoid as my daughter went on vacation to a lake in California and came back sick with headaches.  
The USA is in international touristic attraction, it only takes one person from another country to bring some sort of disease that we are not familiar to pass it on in public places, and that is when it really gets bad.
Keep yourself healthy I noticed that when I have any stress in my life I tend to lower my immune system and just catch the weirdest things.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Thanks for the update.I understand your worry about this protist. However, you are also doing the right thing by mailing your local water department and talking it out. Water that we use indeed are treated and comply with safety and health standards. If this anxiety-related, this can be controlled by medications as well. Check with your doctor for proper management. Take care always.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well it has been almost two weeks now and I haven't had any symptoms or anything other than that headache. I emailed someone in my local water department and they have a state required disinfection process that kills parasites.

This really helped lessen my worry. I am still kind of nervous about it though. For instance, today I thought I might have gotten a little water in my nose in the shower and I got a little scared again.

I am trying to remember the advice I have gotten on here as well as the info I got from the water department.

I have been worrying about getting sick a lot lately. I think I have a bigger problem, like some sort of anxiety or hypochondria.

Thanks for listening.
Helpful - 0
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