Texas woman dies from brain-eating amoeba in tap water | NewsNation
A 71-year-old woman from Texas tragically died after contracting a brain-eating amoeba from using tap water for nasal irrigation, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The rare but fatal infection was caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. This organism thrives in warm freshwater and can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing and often deadly brain infection.
How the Infection Occurred
The CDC’s case report revealed that the woman used a nasal rinse device, commonly called a neti pot, to clear her sinuses. However, instead of using distilled or boiled water, she filled the device with tap water from her RV’s water system while staying at a Texas campsite.
Here’s what happened next:
- Day 1–4: The woman began experiencing neurological symptoms such as fever, intense headache, and confusion.
- Day 5–8: Despite medical treatment, she suffered seizures and her condition worsened rapidly.
- Day 8: She passed away due to severe brain inflammation.
Tests confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid.
nvestigation Findings
The CDC launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Here’s what they uncovered:
- The woman had not been swimming or exposed to lakes or rivers.
- She had used the RV’s potable water for nasal rinses on multiple occasions.
- The potable tank had been filled before she purchased the RV three months prior.
- There’s a chance the municipal water system connected to the RV also carried the contaminated water.
This case demonstrates that using non-sterile tap water for sinus rinsing poses real and deadly risks.
What Is Naegleria fowleri?
- A microscopic amoeba found in warm freshwater (lakes, rivers, hot springs).
- Enters the body through the nose, especially during nasal rinsing or diving.
- Travels to the brain, causing PAM, which is nearly always fatal.
- It does not infect people if swallowed.
CDC Recommendations for Safe Nasal Rinsing
To prevent such infections, the CDC urges people to use safe water sources when rinsing their sinuses:
✅ Use distilled or sterile water
✅ Boil tap water for at least one minute (three minutes at high altitudes) and let it cool
✅ Use filtered water with a filter that removes microbes (NSF-53 or NSF-58 labeled)
✅ Disinfect and air-dry nasal irrigation devices after every use
Why This Matters
Though infections like these are rare, they are almost always fatal. The case serves as a critical reminder about safe sinus care and the hidden dangers of using untreated tap water.
Stay Safe: Use Only Safe Water for Sinus Irrigation
This heartbreaking case shows that using untreated tap water—even once—can have deadly consequences. If you use a neti pot or any nasal rinse device, always follow CDC guidelines to avoid rare but fatal infections like those caused by Naegleria fowleri.
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