Can there be brain-eating amoebas in hot springs?

　　The term "brain-eating amoeba" generally refers to Naegleria fowleri. Typically, whether amoebas exist in hot spring water depends on the water quality management and the source environment. Amoebas may exist when water sources are polluted and management is poor, while they are unlikely to exist if the water source is clean and regularly disinfected. The detailed analysis is as follows:

　　If a hot spring's water source is near untreated natural bodies of water or if the surrounding soil is contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, and the hot spring pool is not regularly refreshed or disinfected, organic matter may accumulate in the water, and the temperature and pH levels may become suitable for the survival of the amoebas, allowing Naegleria fowleri to multiply. In such cases, soaking in the hot spring poses a risk of exposure to these amoebas.

　　When the hot spring water source comes from deep groundwater or has undergone strict purification treatment, and when the facility regularly replaces the pool water and employs scientific disinfection methods to maintain water quality, while ensuring continuous water circulation, the survival of Naegleria fowleri can be effectively inhibited. In such environments, there is generally no need to worry about the presence of these amoebas.

　　Before soaking in a hot spring, one should choose reputable and hygienic facilities, avoiding undeveloped or wild hot springs with unknown water quality; rinse the body before entering the hot spring pool, try to avoid getting water into the nasal cavity during soaking, and promptly shower and clean the body afterward to reduce the risk of infection.