A man in the US has died after contracting brain-eating amoeba. The microbe entered a man’s body through tap water, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Naegleria fowleri A single-celled microbe that causes a rare brain infection is an amoeba. It lives in warm fresh water. Infection with this amoeba is almost always fatal. Of the 154 known infections in the US from 1962 to 2021, only four survived.
However, infection usually occurs during the summer months, making the Florida case unique. In addition, the source of infection was also unusual: it was tap water.
Most likely, the amoeba hit his nose while the man was washing his face or using tap water to rinse his sinuses.
Florida Department of Health officials say Naegleria fowleri people can only be transmitted through the nose and amoeba cannot be transmitted to a person by drinking tap water.
The investigation is ongoing, but state health officials have already advised people not to use tap water to rinse their noses, but to use distilled or sterile water instead. Also, residents should avoid getting water into their noses when bathing, showering or washing their face. Also, do not jump or put your head underwater while swimming.