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CDC Warns Against Using Tap Water for Nasal Rinsing Due to Amoeba Risk

Recent studies link tap water in nasal rinsing devices to rare but deadly amoeba infections, urging the use of sterilized water instead.

Neti pots are seen, Jan. 30, 2008, in Lexington, Ky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, published a report that for the first time connects Acanthamoeba infections to use of Neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices. (Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader via AP, File)
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Overview

  • CDC researchers identify a link between tap water used in nasal rinsing devices and life-threatening amoeba infections.
  • A study finds that a significant portion of the US population mistakenly believes tap water is sterile and safe for medical uses.
  • Acanthamoeba infections, though rare, have a high fatality rate, with most cases occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
  • The CDC advises using boiled, sterile, or distilled water for nasal rinsing to prevent amoeba infections.
  • Research highlights the presence of Acanthamoeba in over 50% of US tap water samples, underscoring the risk of using unsterilized water.