Texas Woman Dies After Contracting Brain-Eating Amoeba from Tap Water: A Cautionary Tale of Everyday Risk
By Raksha | Austin, TX | June 5, 2025
In a harrowing case that has both shocked and warned the nation, a 71-year-old woman from Texas has died after contracting a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba. Health authorities confirmed that the infection was traced to her use of untreated tap water in a sinus irrigation routine at a campground last year.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld at the family's request, is believed to have used a neti pot — a commonly used nasal rinse device — filled with water from a recreational vehicle (RV) supply line during her stay at a private campsite near Lake Livingston.
Her death, attributed to Naegleria fowleri, has reignited urgent public health conversations about the safe use of water in nasal and personal hygiene practices.
The Deadly Organism: What Is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic, single-celled amoeba typically found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, hot springs, rivers, and even poorly maintained municipal water systems in warmer regions. It infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose — not by drinking — typically during activities such as swimming or using nasal cleansing tools like neti pots.
Once in the nasal passage, the amoeba can travel to the brain, destroying brain tissue in a condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost always fatal.
“This infection is extremely rare, but when it occurs, it progresses rapidly,” said Dr. Monica Ruiz, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor Medical Center. “By the time symptoms appear, it’s often too late for treatment.”
Timeline of the Tragedy
According to local health officials and CDC reports:
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Day 1: The woman used a nasal irrigation device filled with tap water while staying at a campground in Polk County, Texas.
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Day 4: She began experiencing symptoms including severe headache, nausea, and confusion.
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Day 6: Her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was rushed to a hospital where doctors initially suspected bacterial meningitis.
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Day 7–9: Lab results confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri. Despite aggressive treatment with antifungal and anti-amoebic medication, her condition worsened.
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Day 10: She was declared brain dead and removed from life support after consultations with family and doctors.
Health Officials Issue Nationwide Alert
Following confirmation of the cause, the Texas Department of State Health Services, in coordination with the CDC, has issued a nationwide public health advisory regarding safe nasal irrigation practices.
“Only sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water should be used for sinus rinsing,” stated the advisory. “Tap water, even if potable, can contain harmful microorganisms not eliminated through standard filtration.”
In addition to water sources, officials warned against using water from hoses, lakes, or untreated well water in neti pots or other nasal-cleansing devices.
How Common Is This?
Despite the terrifying nature of the condition, PAM caused by Naegleria fowleri is exceedingly rare. According to CDC statistics:
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Fewer than 160 cases have been reported in the U.S. since 1962.
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Only 4 patients have survived.
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Most infections occur in children and young adults who swim in warm freshwater during summer.
This is one of the first known cases in the U.S. where Naegleria infection was linked to nasal irrigation using tap water in an RV setting, making it particularly alarming for the elderly and travelers who rely on RV water supplies.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
The incident has rattled RV communities and long-term campers across Texas and neighboring states. Several RV park operators have begun posting safety notices urging guests to boil water for personal use.
Polk County officials are testing water quality in and around the campground to rule out a broader contamination issue. Preliminary reports suggest the water system in the RV had no dedicated filtration or chlorination system, which could have allowed amoebic growth in warm weather conditions.
Meanwhile, grief-stricken family members have issued a statement urging the public to learn from their tragedy.
“She was active, independent, and healthy. We never imagined something so simple could take her away in days,” the family said. “Please — if you use a neti pot or similar, never use unboiled water.”
Preventive Measures You Should Take
The CDC recommends the following to prevent Naegleria fowleri infections:
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Use only sterile, distilled, or previously boiled water for sinus irrigation.
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Never use untreated tap water in neti pots.
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Properly disinfect your irrigation device after each use.
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Avoid swimming in warm freshwater bodies, especially during peak summer months.
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Keep your head above water if swimming in warm lakes or rivers.
Conclusion
While rare, the death of the Texas woman from a brain-eating amoeba serves as a somber warning: even routine health practices can carry unexpected risks when safe methods are overlooked. As summer begins and outdoor activities surge, health experts urge the public to remain vigilant about water hygiene — especially in warmer regions.
This tragedy, while heartbreaking, may well save lives if it spurs greater awareness and caution. It is a stark reminder that even microscopic organisms can have devastating power — and prevention remains our first and best defense.