A member asked:

From nj,i use hot tap water at home or the hot tap water in my university library to rinse my nose.i inhaled some of it,could i get naegleria fowleri?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

No, but...: Many things are possible in life. The chances of catching brain-eating amoeba from tap water in the U.S. is so unlikely that the answer is "no". If the water's chlorination or disinfection became inadequate, it's possible that Naegleria could survive in that water. The level of chlorination should remain high enough all the way to one's tap, as Naegleria cysts are somewhat resistant to chlorine.

Answered 3/14/2016

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Very, very unlikely.: There have been no cases of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri reported in New Jersey from 1962 until 2016. "Naegleria fowleri can grow in public and private water tanks and pipes, especially where little or no disinfectant (like chlorine or chloramine) is present. It can also grow in the pipes and water heaters of homes and buildings."

Answered 11/28/2017

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Related Questions

A member asked:

I got tap water in my nose. Can I get Naegleria Fowleri from this?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers