Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Woman Dies from Brain-Eating Amoeba After Nasal Rinse
A woman died from a rare brain infection caused by a 'brain-eating amoeba' called Naegleria fowleri.
This amoeba lives in warm freshwater.
The woman contracted the infection by using tap water in a nasal irrigation device.
The amoeba entered her brain through her nose.
Early symptoms are like the flu, but quickly worsen leading to confusion, seizures, and coma.
The CDC warns against using tap water for nasal rinsing.
To stay safe, avoid getting water up your nose when swimming in warm freshwater.
A 71-year-old woman died from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
The infection was contracted through nasal irrigation using tap water.
Symptoms included fever, headache, and altered mental status.
The CDC confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid.
PAM is a rare, often fatal brain infection caused by the amoeba.
- Who
- A previously healthy 71-year-old woman.
- What
- The woman died from Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
- When
- The woman developed symptoms within four days of using the nasal irrigation device and died 8 days after symptom onset.
- Where
- The woman was using tap water from an RV’s water system at a campground in Texas.
- Why
- The woman contracted Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection, by using tap water for nasal irrigation.
- Cause of Death
- Naegleria fowleri
- Patient Age
- 71 years old
- Location
- Texas
- Method of Contraction
- Nasal irrigation
- Time to Symptom Onset
- 4 days
- Time from Onset to Death
- 8 days
- Amoeba Habitat
- Warm freshwater