A woman in Texas has tragically died after contracting a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, believed to have entered her body during a sinus rinse with tap water, according to a report by ScienceAlert. The case has prompted public health warnings about proper hygiene practices when using nasal irrigation devices like neti pots.
The woman, whose identity has not been released, reportedly used a sinus rinse as a home remedy to relieve congestion. However, health officials suspect she used unsterilized tap water instead of the recommended sterile or distilled water, allowing the dangerous microorganism to enter her nasal passages and reach her brain.
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. It can also exist in domestic water supplies under certain conditions. While it poses no risk when swallowed, it can be fatal if it enters the body through the nose, typically during water-related activities or improper use of nasal rinsing equipment.
Once inside the nasal cavity, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing a rare infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The disease progresses rapidly, destroying brain tissue and resulting in death in more than 97 percent of known cases.
Symptoms of PAM usually appear within one to 12 days after exposure and include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations. Death typically occurs within five days of symptom onset.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in water samples collected from the woman’s home, reinforcing the link between the sinus rinse and the infection.
Experts emphasize that while infections from Naegleria fowleri are exceedingly rare — with only a few cases reported each year in the United States — they are almost always fatal. Proper precautions are critical when using nasal rinses. Health authorities strongly advise using only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water, never tap water, for sinus irrigation.
“This heartbreaking case is a reminder that even everyday practices carry risks if not done safely,” a CDC spokesperson stated. “We urge the public to follow recommended guidelines, particularly when using devices that introduce water into the nasal passages.”
Local officials in Texas have not issued a widespread alert but are working to raise awareness and educate the public about safe water use. They noted that the municipal water system met safety standards and that the risk of infection remains extremely low for the general population.
In light of the incident, medical professionals are reiterating the importance of proper sanitation techniques for all at-home medical treatments. The case serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of overlooked health practices and the need for vigilance, even with seemingly harmless routines.
Source; ScienceAlert
