A US woman died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba through unboiled water used for nasal irrigation at an RV campground in Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe the source of the infection was likely contaminated tap water.
The 74-year-old woman, who had no underlying health issues before the infection, died from the illness despite receiving medical treatment. According to the CDC, the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is typically fatal once contracted and is often associated with recreational water activities or nasal irrigation practices.
To protect themselves, individuals are advised to use only distilled or boiled tap water when rinsing their sinuses. For those swimming in freshwater environments, the CDC recommends taking precautions such as holding their nose while jumping or diving, wearing a nose clip, and avoiding shallow water where the amoeba may be present.
The CDC also warns of the risks associated with using neti pots and nasal rinsing practices that involve contaminated water sources. By following these precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting this rare and deadly disease.
Source: https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/texas-woman-dies-from-brain-eating-amoeba-after-using-tap-water-for-nasal-rinse