By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Woman dies of brain-eating amoeba after using tap water in nasal rinse device
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Woman dies of brain-eating amoeba after using tap water in nasal rinse device
News

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

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: June 6, 2025 6:26 am
Jimmie Dempsey Published June 6, 2025
Share
SHARE

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A woman in Texas has died after contracting a fatal brain amoeba from contaminated water.

The patient, 71, had used a nasal irrigation device filled with unboiled tap water from an RV’s water faucet, according to an alert from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The “previously healthy” woman was staying at a local campground at the time, the agency stated.

DANGEROUS FUNGUS COULD SPREAD TO PARTS OF US, RESEARCHERS CLAIM

Within four days of using the nasal rinse, the woman developed “severe neurologic symptoms,” including fever, headache and altered mental status. 

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

Despite treatment, the woman began having seizures and died eight days after symptoms began.

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

“This case reinforces the potential for serious health risks associated with improper use of nasal irrigation devices, as well as the importance of maintaining RV water quality and ensuring that municipal water systems adhere to regulatory standards,” the health agency stated.

“Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately, most cases are fatal.”

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.

Fox News Digital previously spoke with Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, about the risks of infection.

Nasal irrigation

“The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low,” she said. “Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately, most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases.”

The death rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds 97%, per the CDC.

Warning signs to recognize

The initial symptoms of PAM usually begin about five days after exposure, but they can be noticed sooner.

Early signs usually include headache, nausea, fever and/or vomiting, the CDC’s website states.

As the infection progresses, people may experience confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma.

DANGEROUS FUNGUS SPREADING IN US HOSPITALS HAS ‘RAPIDLY INCREASED’

“People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after water exposure,” Lundstrom said. “Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis.”

Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, at an average of five days.

Prevention of infection

To prevent contracting the fatal infection, the CDC recommends using “distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled tap water for nasal irrigation,” as “improperly maintained” municipal water and RV water systems carry the risk of disease.

It is also best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer, Lundstrom told Fox News Digital.

Naegleria fowleri

“Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person’s nose, usually during swimming,” she said. “It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not.”

Drinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added.

Because the amoeba is found in soil, the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers.

Treatment of brain-eating amoebas

When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba, treatment usually includes a variety of antifungal medications, as well as antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Miltefosine, a newer antifungal drug, has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat some surviving patients, the CDC states on its website.

“However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate,” Lundstrom noted.

Brain-eating amoeba

Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — especially if they have recently been swimming in warm freshwater — should seek immediate medical attention, the CDC recommends.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Despite the infection’s high fatality rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases. 

“Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected,” she said.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

Virginia Tech study shows dogs can detect invasive lanternfly

All aboard the WMAGA? Florida congressman wants to rename DC transit for Trump

NTSB launches 3-day investigative hearing on deadly DC plane crash

CIA being restructured to eliminate ‘well-documented politicization’: Ratcliffe

Stay in your lane: Florida AG fires next volley against judge halting state immigration law

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart says ‘my girls are really suffering’ as family faces actor’s ALS battle
News

Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart says ‘my girls are really suffering’ as family faces actor’s ALS battle

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 28, 2025
Portland mayor condemns federal intervention, claims videos of anti-ICE riots were from years ago
Trump says he will send troops to Portland
Trump to meet with top congressional leaders at White House as government shutdown looms
EXCLUSIVE: Democrats risk flood insurance lapse in their shutdown fight, home builders and White House warn
FBI’s Patel clarifies role of hundreds of agents on Jan 6, says Wray lied to Congress
Israeli cycling team excluded from Italy event amid concerns of pro-Palestinian protests
News

Israeli cycling team excluded from Italy event amid concerns of pro-Palestinian protests

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 27, 2025
George Hardy, decorated Tuskegee Airman who served in 3 wars, dies at 100
News

George Hardy, decorated Tuskegee Airman who served in 3 wars, dies at 100

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 27, 2025
Bondi declares ‘new era of political violence’ as federal agents deploy to ICE facilities nationwide
News

Bondi declares ‘new era of political violence’ as federal agents deploy to ICE facilities nationwide

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey September 27, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?