Officials have confirmed that a person in Florida has died after being infected by a rare brain-eating amoeba. According to health experts in Charlotte County, the victim was most likely infected after using tap water to rinse their sinuses, BBC News reports.
The brain can become infected with Naegleria Fowleri through the nose. However drinking it is not dangerous, officials have said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that infections with the disease are nearly always fatal. The victim is yet to be identified by officials.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed on February 23 that a patient had been infected "possibly as a result of sinus rinse practices". It was confirmed yesterday (March 2) by a spokesman for the state health agency that the patient had died.
Spokesman Jae Williams said that officials across numerous government agencies are "continuing to investigate how this infection occurred". He also said that officials are "working with the local public utilities to identify any potential links and make any necessary corrective actions".
The dangerous amoeba can usually be found in warm fresh water such as swimming pools, lakes and ponds. Those who become infected contract a disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, a stiff neck, a loss of balance, seizures and/or hallucinations are among the symptoms.
