Naegleria fowleri is popularly known as the brain-eating amoeba; this was the organism responsible for the rare but so far virtually always fatal infection manifested in this Texas woman of 71 years. The infection was supposedly acquired by way of nasal irrigation with unboiled tap water at some RV campground. Thus, the incident throws into sharp focus the absolute necessity of being careful to use only sterile water in such activities.
According to confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri was detected in her cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms initiated four days from the time of nasal irrigation, with intense headache, fever, and altered mental state manifesting. After being admitted for primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which was suspected, her health deteriorated within days, and she went into seizures before dying eight days after the onset of symptoms. As stated by People, the entity represents a very grave risk associated with this amoeba.
Brain-Eating Amoeba Enters Nasal Passages
Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism, is found largely in warm freshwater habitats like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. In the unusual circumstance when this contaminated water enters the nose, the amoeba somehow will traverse through to the brain to manifest a global decimating infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (or PAM). The infection undergoes severe brain tissue destruction and is practically always fatal. The transmission route poses no hazard to an individual swallowing contaminated water.
Health authorities claim that the prospect of falling ill was scarce; there were just a few cases reported in the USA in these last few years, but the terror brought on by PAM ought to make nasal hygiene of the greatest caution. Past reports indicated that infections could arise in recreational water contaminated with this species. Cases have also been recorded where symptoms arose after nasal rinsing with unsterilized tap water. For more on prevention, check out the CDC Naegleria fowleri guidance. Find out about other health warnings involving consumer products in Urgent Tomato Recall: Risks of Illness.
Safe Tap Water Practices
Health authorities strictly discouraged performing nasal irrigation for Naegleria fowleri infection with anything but distilled, sterile water or boiled and cooled water. Tap water, even if drinkable, is not considered sterile and may host pathogenic agents. One effective sterilization technique is to boil the tap water for at least one minute and permit it to cool before use. You may also use a 1-micron filter rated “NSF 53” or “NSF 58.”
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers attached to irregular water use. Cautious practice of appropriate nasal washing may lower the odds of catching this rare yet fatal bacteria significantly. Anyone with manifestations of severe headache, fever, or confusion following any nasal water exposure should seek medical care. For further safety-related warnings, refer to the article Urgent: Google Issues 1 Crucial Security Warning.
