Warning Issued after Neti Pot Misuse Leads to Two Deaths

New Orleans, LA: A warning has been issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals following the deaths of two individuals who developed fatal infections as a result of improperly using Neti pots.

In both cases the victims became infected with Naegleria fowleri, a parasite that is more commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. Once Naegleria fowleri enters the body, it causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis which has symptoms resembling bacterial meningitis. Symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis include nausea, fever, headache and stiff neck leading to confusion, balance loss, seizures and hallucinations. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, left untreated, can result in death within one to twelve days of the onset of infection.

According to an ABC News report, tap water was used in the Neti pots involved in the two fatalities. Louisiana State epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard stated, "If you are irrigating, flushing or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a Neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previoulsy boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. Tap water is safe for drinking but not for irrigating your nose."

The ABC article goes on to state the Neti pot has grown in popularity recently as celebrities such as Dr. Oz and Oprah have both touted its benefits.

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Published on Dec-16-11