Louisiana’s state health department issued a warning about neti pots following two recent deaths – a 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from the “brain-eating amoeba”, Naegleria fowleri.
It is thought the amoeba entered their brains when they used the devices.
Dr. Raoult Ratard, Louisiana State Epidemiologist, said: “If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.
“Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.”
Dr. Raoul Ratard added that it is important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.
The very rare infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers.
According to The Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana, the amoeba causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue.
In its early stages, symptoms may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis and can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.
After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.
A spokesman from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the Louisiana cases are still being investigated.
President Joe Biden has urged pro-Palestinian protesters on university campuses to uphold the rule of…
Blue Ivy Carter has joined the voice cast of The Lion King prequel Mufasa: The…
At least five people, including a four-month-old baby, have been killed after dozens of tornadoes…
Harvey Weinstein has been hospitalized just days after his 2020 rape conviction in New York…
Hamas has published a video showing the first proof of life of US and Israeli…
Prosecutors and Donald Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness was called on…