It is high time for the neti pot users to get alert, as it has been reported that two users of it, hailing from Louisiana, have succumbed to death because of brain-eating amoeba. The neti pots are usually used by the sinus patients.

Following the reports of two death cases of neti pot users, the doctors are urging patients to shift to pot, which resembles a small watering can or teapot. Dr. Satish Govindaraj from Mount Sinai Hospital is of the view that the liquid of neti pots might have the potential of harming users.

Govindaraj has highlighted few preventive steps which should be kept in mind by the neti pots users. It has been advised that the neti pot must be washed thoroughly with hot water and antibacterial soap, regularly. Washing pot regularly can prevent bacterial growth. It is also advisable to change pot after every few months. Regular usage of it can damage its plastic body and therefore, it is in one’s best interest to change pot timely.

Dr. Raoult Ratard from Louisiana State Epidemiologist was reported of saying, “If you are irrigating, flushing or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution”.

The experts are of the view that the two deceased who have been using neti pot might have used tap water instead of recommended distilled or sterilized water. It is believed that during the process of rinsing their nose, they might have come in contact with Naegleria fowleri, a deadly amoeba living in the tap water. Through their nose, it might have reached their brain.

People going for swimming in warm freshwater lakes and rivers are at higher risk of coming in contact with Naegleria fowleri. In the last summer, about three people, from Florida, Virginia and Kansas were reported of having affected with Naegleria fowleri, which led to their demise.