Louisiana warns of brain-eating parasite in tap water (Caution for neti pot users)

[warrior1]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/16/louisiana-warns-of-brain-eating-parasite-in-tap-water/

Officials in Louisiana warned this week that a brain-eating parasite known as Naegleria fowleri might survive in some of the state’s tap water, cautioning that if residents use the common cold remedy known as a neti pot, they should thoroughly boil their water first.

Neti pots work by injecting a hot water/salt solution into users’ sinuses, flushing out mucus and clearing the nasal passages. Although Naegleria fowleri is most commonly found in pond water, lakes and rivers, officials said that two people in Mississippi recently fell victim to to the amoeba, seemingly after they used tap water in their neti pots. The two male victims, both killed by their infection, were ages 20 and 51.

snip

It's ok to drink?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

2. i think it is safe to drink

i have been reading that elsewhere too. i mean it cant hurt to boil it, but i dont think its necessary unless you are sending it through your nasal passages

[Lasher]

6. What if you start laughing while you're drinking it and water comes out of your nose?

I've done that while drinking milk.

[rug]

3. The republicans will do anything to steal an election.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

4. What about bathing in it?

I mean, if it can get into your eyes, like in a shower or bath, can it get you?

[Lasher]

8. Don't get brainwashed with it.

Then you'll be OK, I'll bet.

[Wolf Frankula]

5. So That's why Jindally Cricket got elected Governor

Something ate the voters' brains.

Wolf

[MiddleFingerMom]

7. The article says they're not SURE if tap water was the source for the two victims, but...

.
.
.
... it's a potential if the water is poorly treated (chlorinated?) or hasn't
been heated to 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit -- which I believe
is MUCH hotter than we have our bath/shower water.
.
Not drinking -- I think the sinus membranes are easier for the organism
to get through than other mucosal membranes -- at least the upper
digestive ones.
.
Sterile, distilled or boiled water is perfectly safe.
.
.
.