DALLAS, Texas– A 71-year-old Texas woman has died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba.
The infection occurred after she used unboiled tap water from a recreational vehicle (RV) to rinse her sinuses while staying at a campground in Texas—an unexpected setting for such a case.
The woman had routinely performed nasal irrigation without being aware of the risks associated with using untreated tap water.
Within four days of using the contaminated water, she developed symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck.
Her condition rapidly deteriorated to include hallucinations, loss of balance, seizures, and coma. She was hospitalized but died within two weeks.
Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It causes a rare but nearly always fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of the amoeba in the water supply at the RV park, following a thorough investigation into the source of the infection.
The CDC and health officials emphasize that infections from Naegleria fowleri are extremely rare—only 34 cases were reported in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019—but almost always fatal.
To reduce the risk, officials recommend boiling tap water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher elevations), then letting it cool before use. Alternatively, distilled or sterile water should be used.
In response to the incident, campground management is cooperating with public health authorities. They are also taking steps to educate visitors by posting warnings and distributing safety materials regarding proper water use for hygiene practices.
Photo credit: People.com
