A 71-year-old woman in the United States had an unfortunate death after contracting a fatal brain-eating amoeba by using tap water for nasal rinsing.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the woman had used a nasal irrigation device filled with unboiled tap water, which caused her to contract the fatal amoeba.
The death has again brought everyone's attention to the brain-eating amoeba and the dangerous infection that is caused by the condition.
What is a brain-eating amoeba?
Brain-eating amoeba also known as Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba, that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs. It gets the name 'brain-eating amoeba' as it infects the brain and destroys the tissues. It is rare but when contracted causes fatalities.
Signs and symptoms
Although Naegleria fowleri is usually found in soil and warm freshwater lakes, sometimes they can be found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, tap water and other recreational venues.
As per the CDC, if water containing the amoeba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
The early symptoms of PAM can include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As PAM progresses, patients can observe symptoms like stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, and hallucinations.
How to reduce the risk of contraction?
Use distilled or boiled tap water for rinsing nasal passages and always keep your head above water in hot springs. Hold your nose or wear a nose clip if you are jumping or diving into fresh water. If you are using a pool, ensure that it is properly maintained.
