Warning: Deadly Amoeba Linked to Neti Pots and Nasal Rinsing Devices, CDC Report

As of March 2022, a new report has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that sheds light on a previously unrecognized risk associated with the use of neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices. This study has revealed a connection between the use of these devices and infections caused by Acanthamoeba, a deadly amoeba. These findings have raised concerns about the safety of nasal rinsing practices and the potential dangers associated with the type of water used in these devices.

The Growing Popularity of Neti Pots

Neti pots, resembling small teapots with long spouts, have gained significant popularity in the United States over the last few decades. They are commonly used for nasal rinsing, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent due to the rising incidence of allergies and respiratory diseases. Market researchers have observed a surge in the use of neti pots and similar devices, driven by the need to alleviate nasal congestion and remove allergens from the nasal passages. Additionally, other methods such as specially shaped cups and squeezable plastic bottles are also utilized for rinsing nasal passages, reflecting the diverse range of tools available for this purpose.

The Dangers of Tap Water in Nasal Rinsing

While tap water in the U.S. is treated to meet safe drinking standards, the CDC's report indicates that using it for nasal irrigation can pose serious risks. Although microscopic organisms are present in low levels in tap water, they generally do not pose a threat when consumed or used for cooking. However, when tap water is utilized for nasal irrigation, it can lead to potentially deadly consequences. The report highlights a survey from 2021, revealing that a substantial portion of U.S. adults incorrectly believe that tap water is free of bacteria and other microorganisms, leading them to believe it is safe for rinsing sinuses.

The CDC strongly recommends using boiled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinsing. If tap water is the only option, it must be boiled for a minimum of one minute (or three minutes at higher elevations) before it is cooled and used in nasal rinsing devices. These measures are crucial for minimizing the risk of infections caused by deadly amoebas.

The Threat of Acanthamoeba Infections

The recent study conducted by the CDC focused on 10 patients who fell ill between 1994 and 2022, three of whom tragically succumbed to the infection. The report emphasizes the severity of Acanthamoeba infections, which can be life-threatening and have an 85% fatality rate in reported cases. The study also revealed that all the affected individuals had weakened immune systems and practiced nasal rinsing. Seven patients reported using nasal rinsing for chronic sinus infections, with at least two of them utilizing neti pots. Furthermore, two patients engaged in nasal rinsing as part of a cleansing ritual rooted in Indian tradition.

The Ubiquity of Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba, the deadly amoeba associated with these infections, exists naturally in various environments such as lakes, rivers, seawater and soil. It can cause a range of illnesses affecting the skin, sinuses and even the brain, leading to a lethal form of inflammation. Moreover, it has been linked to nonfatal but sight-threatening eye infections, often due to contaminated contact lens solution. Since the first diagnosis in 1956, approximately 180 infections related to this single-cell organism have been identified by U.S. health officials.

Notably, CDC researchers have increasingly received information suggesting an association between nasal rinsing and Acanthamoeba infections in recent decades. Studies have also indicated that the amoeba is prevalent in tap water, with a significant number of tap water samples found to contain Acanthamoeba and similar microorganisms. As a result, exposure to Acanthamoeba through tap water is considered highly likely, raising concerns about the pervasiveness of this deadly amoeba in everyday environments.