TEXAS: A woman from the United States (US) died from an infection after using tap water from a recreational vehicle’s water system at a campsite in Texas with a nasal irrigation device.
US news outlet CBS News reported that the 71-year-old woman had previously been healthy before developing severe symptoms, including fever, headache and altered mental status, within four days of using the device.
According to a report published by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rare but often fatal brain infection, called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), was caused by the Naegleria fowleri organism.
Despite medical treatment for a suspected PAM infection, she developed seizures and died eight days after the onset of symptoms.
The US news outlet also reported that PAM is typically associated with recreational water activities, as the amoeba thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs.
Infection may occur if water containing the amoeba enters the nose and reaches the brain.
The CDC recommends using distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled tap water for nasal irrigation.
When engaging in freshwater activities, the agency also advises using a nose clip or keeping one’s head above water.
The agency noted that the infection cannot be spread by drinking contaminated water or through person-to-person contact.
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