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What Are The Chances Of Amoebic Infection After Swimming In Lake?

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015

Question: On August 15, I went swimming in a lake in North XXXXXXX I got water far up my nose and I am so worried about being infected with the Brain Eating Amoeba. I am so worried that I have a hard time sleeping and focusing. I had a headache and some slight dizziness (mild to moderate) from Aug. 15-22 and then I received another headache and some dizziness from Aug. 29 till now (mild to moderate). I check my temperature every hour and thus far, I have had no fever. I also have had no vomiting, and I have felt nauseous only a few times. My neck is not stiff, but has been tender, and I have not had an altered mental state. What are the chances that I am infected with this Amoeba? Has enough time passed to know that I am not infected with it? Could my headaches and dizziness be from stress?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no chance of it

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

this kind of infection occurs after a week at most since contracting the pathogen. The symptoms are blatant enough. You don't seem to have any related symptoms. Also please take into account that this is a very rare infection and it usually occurs when coming into contact with contaminated warm water.

Finally, there are no documented infections 2 weeks after coming into contact with the pathogen.

So in conclusion, there is no chance for you to have the 'brain-eating' pathogen. I hope you find this reassuring enough!

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 minutes later)

Thank you, Doctor. Your answer is very reassuring. I have never been so paranoid and deathly scared in my life. I became paranoid when I discovered that a boy in XXXXXXX became infected by the Amoeba Naegleria Fowleria when swimming in a lake a few weeks ago. Sadly, he recently passed.

Thank you again for your answer. I take comfort in your answer.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
This is indeed a sad situation. This is also very bad luck! But your condition does not indicate such an infection.

Best wishes!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar