Texas RV Camper Dies After Using Tap Water for Sinus Rinse

A 71-year-old woman died from a rare brain infection after using tap water from an RV water system to rinse her sinuses while camping in Texas, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Highlights

• A 71-year-old woman died from a brain infection linked to a sinus rinse using unboiled tap water from an RV.
• The infection was caused by , also known as the brain-eating amoeba.
• The water was sourced from an RV’s water system at a campground in Texas.
• The CDC recommends using only distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for nasal rinses.
• Infections from Naegleria fowleri are rare but almost always fatal, with a U.S. fatality rate of over 97%.

What Happened

The woman, who had no recent exposure to lakes, rivers, or other natural water sources, used tap water from the RV to perform a nasal irrigation. Four days later, she developed fever, headache, and changes in mental status. Despite medical treatment, her condition worsened and she died eight days after symptoms began.

Testing confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in her cerebrospinal fluid. The case report noted that while the RV’s water tank had been filled before she owned it, no samples from the tank or campsite tested positive for the amoeba. The exact point of contamination is still unknown.

Understanding Naegleria Fowleri and PAM

Naegleria fowleri can cause a brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This disease is extremely rare and usually fatal. It only infects people when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually during water activities in warm freshwater. The amoeba travels from the nose to the brain, where it causes swelling and tissue damage.

It does not cause illness if swallowed, and it cannot be spread from person to person.

CDC Statistics (1962–2022)

• 157 U.S. cases confirmed
• 39 occurred in Texas
• Fatality rate: Over 97%

CDC Recommendations for Nasal Rinses

The CDC strongly advises using the following types of water for sinus rinses:

• Distilled or sterile water (can be purchased)
• Boiled and cooled tap water (boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet)
• Filtered water (using filters labeled “NSF 53” or “NSF 58”)

Tap water, even if treated and safe to drink, can still contain organisms that are dangerous if they enter the nasal cavity.

Other Risk Factors

While most cases are tied to swimming or diving in warm freshwater, other rare sources include:

• Improperly maintained pools or splash pads
• Hot springs without sufficient sanitation

If entering warm freshwater, especially in hot climates, the CDC suggests:

• Keeping your head above water
• Using nose clips
• Avoiding forceful entry of water into the nose