CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – A brain-eating amoeba has killed one person in Florida after they likely used tap water to rinse their sinuses, state health officials say.
An epidemiological investigation is being conducted to understand the unique circumstances of this infection, Florida Department of Health Press Secretary Jae Williams told FOX Weather on Friday.
Williams said the individual who died in Charlotte County was infected with Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic single-celled living organism. He would not confirm the victim’s age or gender.
Health officials say an infection with Naegleria fowleri is rare and cannot be spread from one person to another. It also cannot be contracted by swallowing contaminated water, health officials said.
It can occur when water containing the ameba enters through the nose from freshwater. It then travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys brain tissue.
CHILD DIES FROM SUSPECTED ‘BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA’ AFTER SWIMMING IN NEBRASKA RIVER
In rare situations, the amoeba can cause an infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), the health department said.
A multi-agency response is ongoing to investigate how this infection occurred. Charlotte County health department officials are working with the local public utilities to identify any potential links and make any necessary corrective actions.
Residents in Charlotte County should follow the instructions below:
DEADLY BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA FOUND IN IOWA BEACH AS TEMPERATURES RISE
The health department said you should seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after a nasal water exposure, such as a sinus rinse: headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance or hallucinations.
From 1962-2020, there have only been 151 known cases identified in the U.S., according to the CDC.