Recent deaths of a 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ Naegleria fowleri have been linked to Neti pots with tap water.
According to Louisiana State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard the neti pot should only be used with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water for the irrigation solution.
It is also important to rinse the device after each use and to allow it to dry.
In early stages of the disease — primary amebic meningoencephalitis — symptoms may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis, including headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. Later symptoms progress to confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.
The disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.
See release from State of Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals …
North Louisiana Woman Dies from Rare Ameba Infection
DHH warns residents about improper neti pot use