Texas Woman Fatally Infected by Brain-Eating Amoeba After Using Tap Water for Sinus Rinse

A tragic incident in Texas has highlighted the dangers of using tap water for sinus irrigation. A healthy 71-year-old woman passed away from an infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after using tap water from her RV’s water system to clean her sinuses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that she began to experience severe neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, and altered mental status, four days following her nasal irrigation activity.

The infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis, is caused by Naegleria fowleri, often termed the “brain-eating amoeba.” Despite receiving treatment, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to seizures and ultimately death eight days after the onset of symptoms. Laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of the amoeba in her cerebrospinal fluid.

Traditionally, such infections are linked to recreational water activities; however, the CDC noted that using non-distilled water for sinus cleaning poses a significant risk as well. In their investigation, it was found that the woman had performed sinus rinses multiple times with non-boiled water from her RV’s potable water faucet. The water tank had been filled prior to her purchase of the RV three months earlier, suggesting it may have contained contaminated water.

Additionally, the investigation revealed a potential connection between the municipal water system and the potable water system that could have led to water contamination. The CDC emphasized the critical importance of using distilled, sterilized, or properly boiled tap water for nasal irrigation to mitigate the risks of such infections. This incident serves as a reminder to exercise caution when using water for medical purposes.