Using a nose clip can reduce the risk of infection with the Naegleria fowleri amoeba while swimming or diving in fresh water. The New York City Department of Health reported this to RIA Novosti.
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The danger arises when contaminated water enters the nose. From there, the microorganism can penetrate the brain and cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis—an extremely rare but almost always fatal infection.
Health officials recommend holding one’s nose or using a nose clip when diving in freshwater bodies. In hot springs, it is advised to keep one’s head above the water’s surface.
Experts urge people to use only distilled or previously boiled water for nasal rinsing. Infection with Naegleria fowleri does not occur through normal drinking; the danger lies specifically in amoeba-laden water entering the nose.
At the same time, the department described the risk to New York City residents as extremely low. No cases of infection have been recorded in the city, and most incidents in the US are linked to swimming in untreated, warm fresh water in regions with hotter climates.
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