Health professionals have issued a caution after a woman died following a nasal rinse with contaminated water.
The woman, aged 71, succumbed to an infection caused by a single-celled organism, amoeba, which attacked her brain.
It is important to heed the advice from local water authorities regarding the consumption of tap water in your region, as it may sometimes pose a risk of certain infections.
The water the woman came into contact with contained amoeba, which, when it enters the nose, can migrate to the brain and lead to a lethal infection.
Although this occurrence is exceptionally rare, the incident underscores its possibility.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the tap water in the region is considered safe for drinking. However, the Daily Mail noted that the woman used water from an RV’s water system at a campground for her sinus rinse.
The infection involved Naegleria fowleri, an organism commonly found in warm water bodies like lakes and rivers. While infections are rare, they are often fatal, with a 97 percent mortality rate for those who contract it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 157 cases of this condition in the United States from 1962 to 2022, highlighting its rarity.
Despite its infrequency, experts emphasize the importance of appropriate use of nasal irrigation devices and maintaining quality in RV water systems, as well as ensuring municipal water systems meet regulatory guidelines, according to the Daily Mail.
While ingesting infected water orally is not advisable, the body’s stomach acid is typically strong enough to eliminate the amoeba.
To prevent exposure through the nose, experts advise boiling water prior to sinus rinsing or opting for distilled water.
The New York Post suggests that children should be supervised when using sprinklers, and caution should be taken when submerging underwater in baths or freshwater.
Additionally, it is recommended to run shower or sink water for several minutes to clear stagnant water if returning to a residence after being away.
This incident follows another where a man unexpectedly died after consuming too much water following a hospital procedure.
Sean O’Donnell, aged 59, passed away due to brain swelling caused by excessive water intake, which led to seizures, cardiac arrest, and his death on the same day he was discharged from the hospital after a routine procedure.
St Vincent’s Hospital had admitted a breach of care and the family received €35,000 ($38,144) for mental distress, as reported by the Irish Independent.