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Texas, USA — In a tragic and rare incident, a 71-year-old Texas woman has died after contracting a fatal brain infection linked to the use of unsterilized tap water for nasal irrigation, according to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The woman, who was previously healthy, began experiencing severe neurological symptoms just days after rinsing her sinuses with water from an RV tank at a Texas campground. The water, which was neither boiled nor sterilized, is believed to have been contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
Within four days of using the nasal rinse, the woman developed symptoms including fever, headache, and confusion. Despite receiving treatment for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)—the infection caused by Naegleria fowleri—her condition deteriorated rapidly. She suffered seizures and succumbed to the illness just eight days after her symptoms began.
PAM is exceptionally rare but almost always fatal. The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming or bathing in warm freshwater environments. However, it can also infect individuals who use untreated tap water for nasal cleansing. The CDC noted that while the amoeba was not directly found in the RV’s water system, the water was described as “poorly disinfected.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of using only sterile, distilled, or properly boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation. The CDC has documented only 164 cases of PAM in the United States between 1962 and 2023, with only four known survivors.
Health officials urge the public to avoid using untreated tap water for sinus rinses and to exercise caution when swimming in warm freshwater lakes or hot springs, environments where the amoeba thrives.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and summarized from the Free Press Journal. The details provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For personal health concerns or questions about safe nasal irrigation practices, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
