A Florida resident recently passed away after receiving a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba.
Officials from the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County confirmed the occurrence last month. The person’s identify has not, however, been made public. Officials believe that using tap water to rinse the person’s sinuses may have led to their sickness.
A Florida Department of Health representative told CNN on Thursday that the virus “unfortunately resulted in a death.” An inquiry is still being conducted.
Naegleria fowleri, a species of single-celled organism, is the source of the infection. Although uncommon, infections can happen when a person’s nose comes into contact with water contaminated with this amoeba. Notably, consuming this water does not cause an infection. This can result in primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which is “almost always fatal,” according to the CDC’s explanation of the brain-eating amoeba.
Local health authorities have released a list of suggested activities for residents of Charlotte County during the inquiry. It is advised to avoid submerging one’s head in water while bathing and to only use distilled or sterile water for sinus solutions (tap water should always be boiled and then cooled).
The Florida Department of Health was keeping an eye out for “any indications of new infections” in the region as of late last month. If such feelings are noticed following contact with water, people who are experiencing potential symptoms (fever, vomiting, stiff neck, etc.) are recommended to seek medical attention.