A 71-year-old Texas woman died from a brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” after using tap water for sinus irrigation. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the woman developed severe neurological symptoms, including fever and altered mental status, four days after cleaning her sinuses with water from her RV’s water system at a campsite.
Despite receiving treatment for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), her condition worsened, leading to seizures and ultimately death eight days after symptoms began. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the amoeba in her cerebrospinal fluid. The CDC noted that while infections typically arise from recreational water exposure, using non-distilled water for nasal cleaning also poses a risk.
Investigations revealed that the woman had used non-boiled water on multiple occasions before falling ill. The RV’s potable water tank was filled before she purchased it three months prior, raising concerns about potential contamination. Additionally, because the municipal water system was connected to the potable water system, it could have contributed to the amoeba’s presence.
The CDC emphasizes the need for safety precautions, advising individuals to use distilled, sterilized, or boiled and cooled tap water for nasal irrigation to minimize the risk of infection. This tragic case underscores the dangers associated with improper water use in nasal irrigation practices and highlights the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
