Woman dies of brain-eating amoeba after using tap water in nasal rinse device

Woman dies of brain-eating amoeba after using tap water in nasal rinse device

Patient succumbed to rare Naegleria fowleri infection despite treatment, as CDC urges caution

The woman was treated for a potential infection of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare, deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba. (iStock)

The patient had used a nasal irrigation device (not pictured) filled with unboiled tap water from an RV’s water faucet. (iStock)

Testing of the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid confirmed she had contracted N. fowleri, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Naegleria fowleri can also be a risk when swimming in fresh water. It is more prevalent during hotter months, as the amoeba grows best in high air and water temperatures. (iStock)