Neti Pot Use Could Pose Serious Health Risk of “Brain-Eating” Bacteria when used with Tap Water

According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using a device like a Neti Pot with tap water to irrigate the sinus could lead to a serious and even fatal health risk. Two patients in Louisiana recently died after infection they got by using a neti pot with tap water, and state officials have issued warnings against this practice.

The risk is brought about due to an amebic bacteria known as Naegleria fowleri. The bacteria which thrives in warm water can enter the nasal cavity and enter the brain where it attacks brain cells.

The infection from the bacteria is known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Most reports of this often fatal infection have been reported as a result of swimming in warm fresh water lakes, especially when the water levels are low. The Naegleria fowleri flourish in these warm waters and can easily enter the brain through the nasal passages.

Recently, however, the CDC reports that the bacteria is showing up in patients from tap water and even in pools which are not properly chlorinated and maintained. It should be noted that the CDC says that there is no risk of infection from drinking tap water which may contain the bacteria. The risk is only present if the water enters the nasal passages.

Symptoms of PAM may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Initial symptoms of PAM typically start 1 to 7 days after infection and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within 1 to 12 days.

The CDC suggests using a device like a nose clip when swimming in fresh water lakes, rivers and hot springs. As for users of nasal irrigation devices like a neti pot, the CDC says that individuals should always use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water in the device. Also, says the CDC, the device should be allowed to dry thoroughly between uses.