Florida Man Dies from Naegleria fowleri Infection: Tap Water Identified as Possible Cause

source: The Hill Florida health officials have reported a rare case of a man who died from a brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. The infection is believed to have been contracted through nasal rinsing with tap water. The man reportedly rinsed his sinuses with unboiled tap water every day, which resulted in his death on February 20. This is the first case of N. fowleri linked to tap water in Florida and the first case in the United States reported during winter. fowleri is a type of amoeba that can be found in soil and warm freshwater environments. It is harmless when ingested through water but can cause trouble when it enters the body through the nose. The amoeba can migrate to the brain and eat brain cells, leading to a condition called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Symptoms of the infection include severe headaches, fever, and nausea, which can quickly progress to seizures, hallucinations, and coma. The fatality rate for PAM is over 97% once symptoms start, with death typically occurring within two weeks of exposure. Although rare, cases of N. fowleri infection have been reported in the United States since the 1960s. Most cases occur when people get water up their nose while swimming in natural warm freshwater environments like lakes. However, the amoeba can also survive in drinking water systems or poorly chlorinated pools. In some cases, it has entered a person's brain through intentional nasal rinsing with contaminated water. source: Buzzfeed News Nasal rinsing is a practice used to clear the sinuses and provide relief from sinus infections, allergies, or the cold and flu. While it is practiced as a spiritual ritual in some areas, in the US, it is commonly used for medical purposes. To reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people use only sterile or recently boiled water when performing nasal rinsing. Florida officials are investigating the possible source of water contamination where the man might have contracted the amoeba. If found in a local system, it can be flushed out through the increased use of disinfectants. However, it is generally recommended that people not use water straight from the tap for nasal rinsing to avoid this exact situation. Officials are advising residents who rinse their sinuses to use only distilled or sterile water if possible. If tap water is used, it should be boiled for a full minute. It is also essential to avoid letting bathing or swimming water get up the nose, especially in lakes, and to ensure pools are properly cleaned. Naegleria fowleri is a rare but lethal amoeba that can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Although it is commonly found in soil and warm freshwater environments, it can also survive in drinking water systems and poorly chlorinated pools. While nasal rinsing is a common practice to clear the sinuses, it is crucial to use only sterile or recently boiled water to reduce the risk of infection. Residents are advised to avoid letting bathing or swimming water get up the nose and to ensure pools are properly cleaned. Florida officials are investigating the possible source of water contamination and are urging residents to take precautions to avoid contracting this deadly infection.