[bitontheslide]

A Florida resident has died after becoming infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba, officials say.

Health experts in Charlotte County, in southwest Florida, say the victim was probably infected after rinsing their nasal sinuses with tap water.

Naegleria fowleri infects the brain through the nose. Officials say that drinking it is not dangerous.

Infections are almost always fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Officials have not identified the victim.

On 23 February, the Florida Department of Heath said that a patient had been infected "possibly as a result of sinus rinse practices" utilising tap water.

On Thursday, a spokesman for the state health agency confirmed that the patient had died.

Officials across multiple government agencies are "continuing to investigate how this infection occurred," spokesman Jae Williams said.

He added that officials are "working with the local public utilities to identify any potential links and make any necessary corrective actions".

The amoeba typically lives in warm fresh water such as swimming pools, lakes and ponds.

It can lead to a severe infection if it enters through the nose, but it is normally safe through the mouth because stomach acid kills the single-cell microorganism.

People who are infected contract a disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.

Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, a stiff neck, a loss of balance, seizures and/or hallucinations.

According to the CDC, around three Americans get infected each year, often with deadly consequences.

Between 1962 and 2021, only four of the 154 people infected in the US survived.

CDC data suggests infection in winter months is incredibly rare.

Officials warn that to avoid infections people should not rinse out their nasal passages with untreated tap water.

Sterile or distilled water are preferred options. Tap water can also be used if it is boiled for at least one minute and cooled before use.

People are also advised to avoid taking on water in their nose while in swimming pools or bathing or showering.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64831778

[Cherie]

Grim....

[MTVN]

Can always rely on bots for a cheerful news story to start our day

[bitontheslide]

you're welcome

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by MTVN

Can always rely on bots for a cheerful news story to start our day

the good news is I dont wash my nasal passages out...who does that, just blow your nose

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Cherie

the good news is I dont wash my nasal passages out...who does that, just blow your nose

Never heard of anyone rinsing their nasal passages with tap water, maybe with one of those nasal sprays from a chemist

This story is horrifying though

[Liam-]

It explains a lot about Florida

[parmnion]

It will be a quick death for some.

[arista]

Originally Posted by MTVN

Can always rely on bots for a cheerful news story to start our day

No, I posted the first case
in South Korea


https://www.thisisbigbrother.com/for...ghlight=amoeba

[arista]

Originally Posted by Liam-

It explains a lot about Florida

And South Korea

[Mystic Mock]

RIP

[LeatherTrumpet]

Probably a squirrel eater

[GoldHeart]

Terrible & scary

Also what about when people accidentally get water in their nose when they wash their face & hair ?!?.

[Gusto Brunt]

I haven't drank tap water since I saw stringy white things floating in it.

[GoldHeart]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

I haven't drank tap water since I saw stringy white things floating in it.

There's something wrong with your water supply if that's the case ,as usually tap water is ok