Friday, March 3, 2023 (HealthDay News) – A brain-eating amoeba has killed a Florida man, state health officials reported.

The man may have contracted the extremely rare infection after rinsing his sinuses with tap water, the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County said. news release.

While health officials continue to investigate the cause, Naegleria fowleri They stressed that you can’t get infected by drinking tap water.

These infections only occur when contaminated water enters through the sinuses, officials said.

This often happens when swimming in warm lakes and rivers in the summer. N. Fowleri It grows in warm temperatures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be found in soil and freshwater.

Health officials have not publicly identified the deceased man.

The United States has reported annual cases for the past four years. 3 cases Last year it happened in Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska.

The Iowa incident occurred last June and involved a Missourian resident who swam in Taylor County’s Lake of Three Fires. The Nebraska case was a child who died within 10 days of being hospitalized after swimming in the Elkhorn River in August. NBC News report.

The disease usually progresses rapidly after patients present with symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, loss of balance, neck stiffness, and seizures. Patients usually die within 18 days, NBC News report.

Florida health officials recommend using distilled or sterile water for anyone who uses a neti pot or similar to rinse their sinuses.

“Tap water should be boiled for at least one minute and allowed to cool before rinsing the sinuses,” the release added.

For more information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more upon Naegleria fowleri.

sauce: NBC News