In early June 2025, a tragic incident in Dallas, Texas, brought the dangers of using untreated tap water in nasal irrigation devices into sharp focus. A woman, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, tragically passed away after using a neti pot filled with tap water to relieve her sinus congestion. This unfortunate event has prompted public health authorities to issue urgent warnings regarding the risks associated with nasal irrigation, especially when using untreated tap water.
The woman’s death is linked to an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba that can sometimes be found in tap water, particularly in warmer climates like Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines and warnings about the risks posed by the amoeba, which can be contracted when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, underscoring the critical importance of proper water safety during sinus irrigation procedures.
What Happened?
The incident occurred when the woman used a neti pot, a popular nasal irrigation device, to relieve sinus congestion. Neti pots are commonly used to clear nasal passages by irrigating the sinuses with water. Unfortunately, in this case, the water used in the device was untreated tap water, which contained Naegleria fowleri.
Following the procedure, the woman began experiencing symptoms that included a high fever and vomiting. Shortly after, her condition worsened, and medical tests confirmed that she had contracted an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism that can cause meningoencephalitis, a severe and often fatal inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues.
The infection quickly progressed, and despite medical efforts, the woman’s condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to her death. The CDC has confirmed that the amoeba can thrive in untreated tap water, particularly in warm environments, making regions like Texas more vulnerable to such infections. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using untreated water in procedures that come into direct contact with sensitive areas like the nasal passages, where pathogens can easily be absorbed.
Naegleria Fowleri: The Brain-Eating Amoeba
Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba,” is an extremely rare but deadly pathogen that can cause severe brain infections. The amoeba typically lives in warm, untreated water, such as that found in lakes, hot springs, or poorly maintained swimming pools. It can enter the body through the nasal passages, where it travels to the brain, causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but almost universally fatal disease.
Although infections from Naegleria fowleri are extremely uncommon, they are often associated with recreational water activities, such as swimming in warm bodies of freshwater. However, the tragic death of this Texas woman demonstrates that the amoeba can also pose a risk in household activities like nasal irrigation, especially if tap water is used without proper treatment.
The CDC has emphasized that Naegleria fowleri is not typically present in treated water supplies, which are disinfected with chlorine to kill harmful pathogens. However, in warm climates, or in areas where water treatment may be compromised, there is a potential for contamination, especially during summer months when water temperatures rise.
CDC’s Guidelines for Safe Nasal Irrigation
In response to the tragic death, the CDC has issued a renewed set of guidelines on how to safely use nasal irrigation devices like neti pots. According to the CDC, individuals who use nasal irrigation should always ensure that the water they use is sterile, distilled, or has been boiled and then cooled. Tap water should never be used for nasal irrigation unless it has been properly treated or disinfected, as Naegleria fowleri and other pathogens may still be present in untreated water.
The CDC’s guidelines for safe nasal irrigation include:
- Use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water that has cooled to room temperature for all sinus rinses. Avoid using untreated tap water, especially in regions with warm water temperatures like Texas.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect nasal irrigation devices such as neti pots after every use, using soap and water, and ensure they are dried properly.
- Boil tap water for at least one minute to kill any potential pathogens if sterile water is not available, or use distilled water from a sealed bottle.
- Avoid using unfiltered water from sources like lakes, rivers, or swimming pools, as these may harbor pathogens like Naegleria fowleri.
The CDC has also urged healthcare providers to educate their patients about the risks associated with nasal irrigation, especially in regions where waterborne pathogens are more prevalent.
Public Health Concerns and Increased Awareness
This case has raised awareness about the risks associated with nasal irrigation, and health experts are stressing the importance of education and preventive measures to ensure that consumers understand the dangers of using untreated tap water in such devices. Although infections from Naegleria fowleri are rare, public health officials are concerned that this tragedy may not be an isolated incident.
Given the warm climates of Texas and other Southern states, where temperatures can promote the growth of waterborne pathogens, public health campaigns are expected to be rolled out to raise awareness about safe water use for sinus rinses. Health departments across the state are working to provide educational materials on how to use safe water sources for nasal irrigation, as well as information on how to properly clean and maintain neti pots and other irrigation devices.
Experts are also calling for greater attention to water safety in household health practices, noting that incidents like this one can have profound consequences for individuals and their families. While nasal irrigation can be an effective and safe method for relieving sinus issues when used correctly, it’s essential to follow proper safety guidelines to avoid dangerous health risks.
Public Health Campaigns and Future Prevention
Following this incident, public health officials are intensifying efforts to educate the public on the proper use of nasal irrigation devices and water safety. Campaigns will focus on both the general public and healthcare professionals, ensuring that people know the risks involved in using untreated tap water for sinus rinsing and the importance of using sterile or boiled water.
Furthermore, public health agencies are working with local water authorities to provide additional information on the safety and treatment of water supplies in areas with elevated risks for Naegleria fowleri contamination. These measures aim to prevent further tragic incidents like the one in Dallas, which, while rare, serves as an urgent reminder of the potential dangers associated with everyday home health practices.
Conclusion
The tragic death of a Texas woman due to an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri highlights the risks associated with using untreated tap water in nasal irrigation devices. This incident has prompted renewed attention from the CDC and public health officials, who have issued clear guidelines about the importance of using safe water sources for sinus irrigation. While such infections are rare, the case serves as a reminder of the need for caution and awareness in home health practices, especially in areas where waterborne pathogens are more prevalent.
For individuals who use nasal irrigation to alleviate sinus issues, the message is clear: always use sterile, distilled, or boiled water, and follow the CDC’s safety guidelines to avoid putting your health at risk.
