Death from using tap water to rinse sinuses
A man in south Florida, who has not been named, passed away from a brain-eating infection last month. According to FOX 4, the infection happened after he used tap water to rinse his sinuses.
As per reports, the man – a resident of Charlotte County – died on February 20, three days before the county health department issued a public alert about the brain-eating infection.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled living amoeba. According to the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, the infection is rare and can only happen when water contaminated with the amoeba enters through the nose. The department stressed that the infection cannot be contracted by drinking tap water.
The amoeba can cause an infection of the brain known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). There aren't any known effective treatments for this condition.
Where is it found?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amoeba typically lives in warm, freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. It can also be found living in sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers.
It is extremely rare for Naegleria fowleri to be found in swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues. However, it is still possible if they're poorly maintained or don’t have enough chlorine.
Symptoms to watch out for
It is important to seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any symptoms associated with the infection after swimming in warm lakes, rivers or getting water up the nose. Common symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance as well as hallucinations.
Read more: Possible reasons why your cough is not going away
Death risk is high
According to the CDC, the infection – primary amebic meningoencephalitis – kills over 97% of the people who contract it. The data reveals that out of 154 known infected individuals in the United States from 1962-2021, only four confirmed patients were able to survive the infection.
Read more: 7 causes of high blood pressure which are NOT due to age
Other recent case
Last summer, then 13-year-old Caleb Ziegelbauer contracted a possible brain-eating amoeba while swimming at Port Charlotte Beach Park, Charlotte County, Florida.
His case has not been confirmed by the CDC as the Naegleria fowleri infection. However, the boy’s medical team reportedly believes it is the same brain-eating infection. As per an update a couple of weeks back, the boy is still alive and remains on the road to recovery.
Start a Conversation
Post comment