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

A woman in Texas has died after contracting a fatal brain amoeba from contaminated water The person 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 Malady 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 CLAIMWithin four days of using the nasal rinse the woman developed severe neurologic markers including fever headache and altered mental status The client was treated for a prospective infection of primary amebic meningoencephalitis PAM a rare deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri also known as the brain-eating amoeba Despite healing the woman began having seizures and died eight days after characteristics began Testing of the recipient s cerebrospinal fluid authenticated she had contracted N fowleri according to the CDC This situation reinforces the probable for serious physical condition 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 wellness agency stated Naegleria fowleri can also be a pitfall 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 diagnostic officer and infectious ailment specialist for Trinity Fitness in Michigan about the risks of infection The peril of brain-eating amoeba is very low she explained Fewer than people in the U S every year get infected but unfortunately majority cases are fatal There are only a handful of survivors of known cases The death rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds per the CDC The initial manifestations 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 days after water exposure Lundstrom declared Early clues should prompt a healthcare evaluation as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis Death can occur anywhere between one and days of infection at an average of five days 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 peril of malady It is also best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer Lundstrom communicated Fox News Digital Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person s nose usually during swimming she commented It is not known why particular people get infected and others even swimming companions do not Drinking contaminated water does not present a liability and the infection does not spread from one person to another Lundstrom added Because the amoeba is ascertained in soil the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes ponds and rivers When a victim has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba restoration 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 WELLBEING NEWSLETTERMiltefosine a newer antifungal drug has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat various 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 Those who experience sudden headache fever stiff neck or vomiting especially if they have in recent days been swimming in warm freshwater should seek immediate anatomical attention the CDC recommends For more Wellness articles visit www foxnews com healthDespite the infection s high fatality rate Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer but only a meager become infected she revealed