A 71-year-old woman in Texas has died after contracting a fatal brain amoeba from contaminated water used for nasal irrigation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the woman developed severe neurologic symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental status, within four days of using the contaminated water.
The CDC warned that improper use of nasal irrigation devices and maintaining RV water quality are crucial to preventing serious health risks. Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and deadly brain infection. Fewer than 10 people in the US contract the infection each year, but most cases are fatal.
Symptoms of PAM usually begin within five days after exposure and can include headache, nausea, fever, vomiting, confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Death can occur anywhere between one to 18 days of infection.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends using distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water for nasal irrigation. It is also essential to avoid immersing your head in water when swimming during summer.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications, such as rifampin and azithromycin, as well as antibiotics like miltefosine. Early symptoms prompt a medical evaluation, as they can be signs of bacterial meningitis. Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck, or vomiting should seek immediate medical attention.
The CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and rivers, as the amoeba is found in soil. Despite the high fatality rate, the rarity of cases means millions of people can enjoy swimming each summer without contracting the infection.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/woman-dies-brain-eating-amoeba-after-using-tap-water-nasal-rinse-device