CDC Warns Neti Pot Users of Invasive Potentially Fatal Infection

I was recently explaining to a friend how amazing the neti pot is. Little did I know, I was giving her information that could get her very sick. I'm actually surprised that I have not contracted the brain-eating amoeba.

What is a Neti Pot?

I started using a neti pot after I watched an episode with Dr. Oz demonstrating how a little teapot could clean out sinus gunk. Allergy season is just the worst for me, and when I was pregnant I couldn't take medicines to help me breathe. After I got the hang of it, the solution and water temp have to be just right, I was hooked.

Neti Pot and salt. Photo by Liberty

What is Acanthamoeba Amebae?

Well, the medical definition 'For Dummies' of Acanthamoeba Amebaeis is basically a parasite that lives in water. If humans come in contact with the parasite, it could cause a deadly infection. You've probably heard about people getting sick with the brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a lake or the ocean. It can also contaminate our tap water-yuck! There's no way to know if you have parasites in your tap water just by looking at it.

CDC Warns Neti Pot Users Invasive Potentially Fatal Infection

According to the Centers for Disease Control most Americans believe that tap water - Straight from the sink - is safe for neti pot nasal irrigation. The actual truth is, that pouring sink water in your nose is an open invitation for the potentially fatal infection.

Use Sterile Water for Safe Nasal Rinsing:

CDC recommendations for performing safe nasal rinsing include using boiled, sterile, or distilled water. If tap water is used, it should be boiled for a minimum of 1 minute and cooled before use (6). For diagnostic support and treatment recommendations, CDC offers a 24/7 Free-Living Ameba Consultation Service. Healthcare providers can call the CDC Emergency Operations Center at (770) 488–7100 for a consultation for any confirmed or suspected Acanthamoeba infection.

7 Invasive Insects in Indiana You Should Kill Immediately If You See Them

In an effort to inform the public on the types of invasive species that are known to be found in their state, the USDA offers a "Pest Tracker" on their website, where you simply click the name of your state from the drop-down menu provided to see pictures of the different insects and weeds, along with descriptions of the type of plant life they target and the damage they can do if they're not dealt with.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

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Source: CDC Warns Indiana Neti Pot Users of Invasive Potentially Fatal Infection

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