Researchers have confirmed that there is a possibility for individuals who use neti pots to contract a potentially fatal amoeba infection if the water used is contaminated. In addition, a second type of brain-eating amoeba has been linked to the practice of nasal rinsing.

The first-ever report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals a link between Acanthamoeba infections and the use of neti pots and other devices for nasal rinsing.

Authorities reiterated their caution that although uncommon, fatal complications may arise from irrigating nasal passages with regular tap water.

Dr. Julia Haston from the CDC stated that the study was released in order to inform the public about this potential danger.

Neti pots are common instruments used for nasal irrigation. They resemble miniature teapots and are typically constructed from ceramic or plastic materials.

Individuals inject them with a saltwater solution and then pour the mixture through one nostril. This process expels the solution and removes allergens and other irritating pollutants from the nasal passage.

In recent decades, the use of neti pots in the United States has drastically increased due to the growing number of allergies and respiratory conditions, as reported by market researchers.

Additional methods of clearing the nasal passages exist, such as using uniquely designed cups or squeezable plastic bottles.

The tap water in the United States is treated to ensure it is safe for drinking, but there may still be small amounts of microscopic organisms present. While this is typically not a concern when using the water for drinking or cooking, it can become more of a risk when using it for activities such as humidifying or for nasal irrigation.

According to a recent survey conducted by the CDC, approximately thirty percent of adults in the U.S. have the misconception that tap water is completely free from bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, nearly sixty percent believe that tap water can be safely utilized for nasal rinsing purposes.

The recommendation from the CDC is to use boiled, sterile, or distilled water.

Officials advise that if using tap water, it should be boiled for at least a minute. In higher elevations, the boiling time should be extended to three minutes before allowing it to cool down for use.

Over ten years ago, health authorities connected American fatalities to a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri due to nasal irrigation. In recent times, they have observed nasal irrigation as a prevalent factor in sicknesses caused by a different tiny parasite, Acanthamoeba.

Acanthamoeba is responsible for various types of ailments, but it remains a perilous threat with a mortality rate of 85% in documented cases.

According to Haston, the lead author of the article published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, these infections are extremely severe and could potentially be fatal.

The latest research centered on 10 individuals who became sick from 1994 to 2022, with three of them ultimately passing away. The researchers are uncertain about the source of the patients’ infections, but they observed some shared traits: Each patient had compromised immune systems and regularly practiced nasal rinsing.

Seven individuals stated they used nasal irrigation to alleviate their chronic sinus infections, with at least two of them opting for neti pots. Two additional patients practiced nasal rinsing as a component of a purification ceremony in accordance with Indian customs.

This single-celled organism can be observed in its natural habitat of lakes, rivers, seawater, and soil.

This microorganism has been linked to various skin and sinus diseases, as well as potentially fatal brain inflammation. It has also been associated with non-fatal but vision-threatening eye infections, potentially due to contaminated contact lens solution.

Since its initial diagnosis in 1956, American health authorities have detected approximately 180 cases of infection caused by the single-celled organism.

In most situations, it is unclear how individuals became infected, according to researchers. However, upon examining cases from past years, researchers at the CDC have found that a significant number of cases involve individuals partaking in nasal rinsing, as reported by Haston.

Additionally, studies have shown that it is prevalent in tap water. A research study conducted in Ohio during the 1990s discovered that over 50% of tap water samples analyzed contained the amoeba and other similar microorganisms.

She stated that we are constantly exposed to Acanthamoeba.

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