A man died in Florida in the United States, after being infected by a “brain-eating” amoeba on February 23 last. The infection is believed to result from “sinus flushing practices using tap water”.
Naegleria fowleri. This is the scientific name for this parasite better known as the “brain-eating” amoeba, a single-celled organism that lives in relatively warm soils or freshwater surfaces.
According to a statement from the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, one person died on February 23 after being infected with this organism. According to information collected by CNNthe infection could result from “sinus flushing practices using tap water”.
“An epidemiological investigation is underway to understand the unique circumstances of this infection. I can confirm that the infection unfortunately resulted in a death, and any further information on this case is confidential to protect patient privacy,” Jae Williams, Florida Department of Health Press Secretary, said in a statement.
Vigilance requested from residents
Charlotte County residents have been told not to use tap water, but instead use distilled or sterile water to prepare nasal rinse solutions. They should also exercise caution if bathing in fresh water.
According to the Florida Department of Health, infection “can only occur when water contaminated with amoebas enters the body through the nose.”
However, people who have symptoms such as headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance or convulsions after swimming in lakes or rivers or using sinus rinses, should immediately consult a doctor. Because these symptoms generally appear a few days after exposure and death can occur within one to eighteen days after the symptoms.
Rare infections
According to the US federal public health agency, infections with Naegleria fowleri remain rare. Between 1962 and 2022, 157 cases have been reported in the United States. Among these cases, two people became infected after rinsing their sinuses with contaminated tap water.
In Florida, between 1962 and 2022, 37 cases of the “brain-eating” amoeba were diagnosed. A boy visiting the southeastern US state contracted the amoeba and died in 2020.
In France, only one case has been declared by the National Health Security Agency. In 2008, after swimming in Guadeloupe, a 9-year-old boy died of lightning meningitis. After analysis, the presence of Naegleria fowleri had been detected in the hot spring.