Tragic Death from Brain-Eating Amoeba Linked to Tap Water Use in Nasal Rinse Device

A Texas woman has died after contracting a deadly brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the rare Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The 71-year-old patient was reportedly staying at a campground and used a nasal irrigation device with unboiled tap water from her recreational vehicle’s faucet. This incident underscores growing concerns about the dangers posed by improper use of nasal rinsing equipment and the importance of maintaining safe water systems.

According to health officials, the previously healthy woman experienced severe neurological symptoms just four days after performing the nasal rinse. These symptoms included fever, headache, and altered mental status. Despite receiving medical attention for a potential PAM infection, her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to seizures. Tragically, she passed away only eight days after symptom onset. Tests confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid.

The brain-eating amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments and is more common during hotter months, when air and water temperatures are elevated. Infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nose—often during swimming or, as in this case, through nasal irrigation. Health authorities emphasize that drinking contaminated water does not pose a risk, as the infection requires direct entry through the nasal passages.

While these cases remain exceedingly rare, they are almost always fatal. The mortality rate for Naegleria fowleri infections exceeds 97%. Early symptoms generally emerge within five days of exposure and may include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, patients can experience confusion, stiff neck, hallucinations, and eventually slip into a coma. Death often occurs within one to 18 days of infection, with an average of just five days.

Medical experts advise strict precautions to avoid similar tragedies. The CDC recommends using only distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation. In addition, it is vital to ensure that RV and municipal water systems are properly maintained to reduce contamination risks. When swimming in lakes, ponds, or rivers—especially during summer—individuals are urged to keep their heads above water and avoid stirring up sediment where the amoeba may reside.

Treatment options for PAM are extremely limited, with most cases resulting in death despite aggressive intervention. Antifungal medications such as miltefosine, along with certain antibiotics, have been tried in some instances but the overall effectiveness remains unclear due to the rarity and rapid progression of the disease. Prompt medical evaluation is critical when sudden neurological symptoms occur following recent freshwater exposure.

Although the news of this fatal infection raises alarm, public health officials stress the rarity of Naegleria fowleri infections. Each year, fewer than ten people in the United States are diagnosed, even as millions enjoy freshwater recreation. Nevertheless, the case serves as a sobering reminder about the importance of water safety and vigilance when using nasal irrigation devices.