Dangerous amoeba has been linked to neti pots and nasal rinsing
Newsy
The CDC recommends using boiled, sterile or distilled water. If tap water is used, it must be boiled first.
For years, scientists have known people who use neti pots can become infected with a brain-eating amoeba if they use the wrong kind of water. On Wednesday, researchers linked a second kind of deadly amoeba to nasal rinsing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report that for the first time connects Acanthamoeba infections to neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices.
Officials also renewed their warning that extremely rare, but potentially deadly, consequences can come from flushing nasal passages with common tap water.
"We published this study because we want people to be aware of this risk," said the CDC's Dr. Julia Haston.
Neti pots are one of the better known tools for nasal rinsing. They look like small teapots with long spouts, and usually are made of ceramic or plastic.
