Naegleria fowleri is a potentially deadly amoeba that can cause brain infections if it enters your nose.Naegleria fowleri infections are rare and have been reported in the United States from 1962 to 2016If you swim, try to keep the water out of your nose and avoid swimming in warm, fresh water.It's a good idea to make sure you use sterile water when rinsing your nose, as that is another way the ameba can enter the body.
Step 1: Don't swim in warm freshwater areas.
In areas where the water stays warmer for longer periods of the year, this amoeba can be found.This amoeba can be found in many freshwater lakes and rivers in the southern United States.The amoeba can be found in hot spring water.The only way to avoid this type of infection is to stay out of warm freshwater.
Step 2: The water is at its normal levels for swimming.
It's more likely to develop harmful amoebas andbacteria when water is too low.Don't swim if the water looks too low.If the water is stagnant and not moving, it's more likely to be colonized by organisms.
Step 3: Don't swim in the badly maintained swimming pools.
The amoeba can be found in swimming pools that have not been properly chlorinated.Don't swim in that pool if you notice a bad chlorine smell.It is rare to contract this amoeba from a swimming pool.
Step 4: When you swim keep your head above water.
In hot springs, keeping your head out of the water will help prevent the amoeba from entering your body.You should be extra cautious in hot spring water because it is more susceptible to this amoeba.
Step 5: When going underwater, hold your nose closed with your fingers.
Water can enter your nose if you stick your head below the water.That way, you're less likely to get the amoeba.To keep water out of your nose, pinch it tightly with your pointer finger and middle finger.
Step 6: When swimming in warm waters, use a nose clip.
A nose clip closes your nose.If you're doing serious swimming in warm waters, it may be better to use your hands.A swimming mask that protects your nose is another option.
Step 7: You should avoid swimming in lakes and rivers.
The amoebas are more likely to reside at the bottom of the river or lake.If you kick it with your feet, you're more likely to see the amoeba in the water.Get out of the water if you stir it up.
Step 8: Straight tap water can be used for rinsing.
This amoeba can be found in your tap water.If you use the tap water for rinsing without treating it first, the ameba can enter your brain.If you're using a neti pot to clean your sinuses, make sure to treat the water with boiling.Make sure that precautions are taken to provide clean water if you're practicing a religious ritual.
Step 9: Before you use the water to clean your nose, make sure it's boiled for 3 to 5 minutes.
If you want to use tap water, boiling it will kill the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.Allow it to cool down after boiling it.The boiled water can be kept in a sealed container for up to a day.
Step 10: If you want to remove the amoeba without boiling, use a water filter.
The Naegleria fowleri can be removed by the water filters.If you can't find one with those labels, you should look for one that says "absolute pore size of 1 micron or 888-282-0465 888-282-0465"You can find them in home improvement stores.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid regular bottled water because it may contain this amoeba.
You can buy water at the store if you don't want to mess with boiling the water.Make sure the bottle says "distilled" or "sterile"There is a chance that regular bottled water may be contaminated.