A 71-year-old woman in Texas has tragically died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the woman used a nasal irrigation device filled with unboiled tap water from an RV’s water faucet while staying at a local campground. This led to her infection with Naegleria fowleri, a deadly organism that can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Just four days after using the nasal rinse, the woman began experiencing severe symptoms, including fever, headache, and changes in her mental state. Despite receiving treatment for PAM, her condition worsened. She developed seizures and passed away eight days after her symptoms first appeared. Testing of her cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of the amoeba.
The CDC warns that infections from Naegleria fowleri are rare, with fewer than ten cases reported in the U.S. each year. However, the fatality rate is alarmingly high, exceeding 97%. Health officials emphasize the importance of using safe water for nasal irrigation. They recommend using distilled, sterile, or boiled water to avoid such infections.
Naegleria fowleri is more commonly found in warm freshwater environments and is more prevalent during the hotter months. The amoeba can enter the body through the nose, especially during activities like swimming in lakes or rivers. Drinking contaminated water does not pose a risk, and the infection cannot spread from person to person.
Early symptoms of PAM can appear within a few days of exposure and may include headache, nausea, and fever. As the infection progresses, it can lead to confusion, stiff neck, hallucinations, and seizures. If anyone experiences these symptoms after swimming in warm freshwater, immediate medical attention is crucial.
This unfortunate case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper use of nasal irrigation devices and the importance of ensuring water quality in recreational settings. Health experts continue to stress that while the risk of infection is low, it is vital to take precautions to protect against this deadly amoeba.