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A 71 -year -old woman died in Texas, the United States, after contracting a rare brain infection, possibly using water from the tap of a trailer for nasal irrigation. The case was described in a report from Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, publication of US Disease Control and Disease Prevention Centers (CDC).
According to the document, the patient several times used a nasal irrigation device with non -boiled water collected directly from the hydraulic system of the trailer. Four days later, he began to have symptoms such as fever, headache and mental confusion.
High resolution registration of AMEBA NAEGLERIA FOWLERI
Dr. James Roberts/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
It was diagnosed with primary amoebian meningoencephalitis, rare infection with high potential brain harmful. Despite the treatment, the victim had seizures and died eight days after the onset of symptoms.
The infection was caused by Naegleria Fowleri, known as the “Ameba Brain Eater.” The microorganism lives in environments of fresh and warm water, such as lakes, rivers and thermal sources, and only infects humans when it enters the nose.
Texas health officials stated that the woman had no recent contact with aquatic environments such as rivers or lakes. The main hypothesis is that it was infected during nasal irrigation with contaminated water.
Two possible sources of contamination were identified: the trailer drinking water tank, supplied on an unknown date before the vehicle’s purchase, and the municipal supply system, connected to the trailer by a filter hose.
Researchers collected 12 samples from different points, including nasal spray, shower, taps, heater and trailer water system itself.
Although the tests did not find DNA from Naegleria Fowleri or viable amoebas, the analysis pointed out flaws in water system disinfection.
The report alerts to the risks of water use not treated on nasal irrigation devices. The document also reinforces the importance of maintaining the quality of water in trailers and compliance with sanitary standards by municipal systems.
Health authorities have ensured that tap water in the region is still safe for consumption. Cases of infection by Naegleria fowleri are extremely rare.
Between 1962 and 2023, there were 164 reported cases of infection in the United States. Only four survived.
Experts recommend that nasal irrigation be done only with distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water. The boil eliminates microorganisms potentially present in the tap water. It is also advisable to prevent water from entering the nose during water activities.
