Woman dies from brain-eating amoeba after using tap water to clear sinuses, CDC says
Show Caption
Hide Caption
What to know about the flu
The common flu can cause mild to severe symptoms, according to the CDC. Find out what you need to know to prevent the illness.
A woman in Texas died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba infection from using tap water to clear out her sinuses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced.
According to a death investigation inside the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released Thursday, May 29, the 71-year-old woman suddenly died after experiencing serious symptoms.
Officials described the symptoms as a fever, headache, and an 'altered mental status,' only days after using a 'nasal irrigation device' filled with tap water.
The report continued, saying that the woman received medical treatment for a suspected Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis infection. But despite the treatment, the woman began having seizures, subsequently dying eight days after symptoms began.
Following her death, CDC officials confirmed in the report that Naegleria fowleri was found in the woman's cerebrospinal fluid, which the Cleveland Clinic says is a clear and colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and acts as a protective cushion and provides nutrients.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
According to the CDC, Naegleria fowleri, more commonly known as 'brain-eating amoeba,' is a one-celled organism that lives in freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs.
'If water containing the ameba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM),' the CDC said.
Officials said that fewer than 10 people a year contract PAM, with a death rate of almost 100%.
How can I stay safe from brain-eating amoeba?
According to the CDC, officials gave the following recommendations to stay safe:
Hold your nose or wear a nose clip if you are jumping or diving into fresh water.
Always keep your head above water in hot springs.
Don't dig in shallow water because the amoeba is more likely to live there.
Use distilled or boiled tap water when rinsing your sinuses or cleansing your nasal passages.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
9 hours ago
- Axios
At-home cervical cancer test rolls out in California
The first FDA-approved at-home cervical cancer screening device launched this week in California. Why it matters: Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet 1 in 4 U.S. women aren't up to date on screenings for the disease, per the CDC. Teal Health's goal is to make the testing experience feel less invasive than a Pap smear, which can often cause pain. Driving the news: The Teal Wand allows people to self-collect a vaginal sample to test for HPV, the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancers. The San Francisco women's health company spearheading the device says it uses the same HPV test used in clinics and merely differs in the method of collection. The big picture: California records about 7.3 cervical cancer cases per 100,000 people every year, slightly under the national rate of 7.5. The incidence rate varies among racial groups, however, with Hispanics generally seeing higher figures. Nationwide, Black and Indigenous people also experience higher rates of cervical cancer and mortality compared to white women. "Several studies have shown that the availability of self-screening can boost participation in cervical cancer screening among underscreened persons—a population most likely to benefit in terms of cancer prevention," UCSF obstetrician-gynecologist George F. Sawaya told Axios via email. In 2023, cervical cancer screenings in the U.S. remained 14% lower than pre-pandemic levels, per a March journal article. Yes, but: It's equally critical to ensure those with positive test results get reliable follow-ups and treatment, Sawaya added. How it works: To take a sample, the wand — similar to a tampon in its dimensions — is inserted into the vagina and deploys a sponge to collect cells from the cervix. Once the sponge is extracted, it's placed in a vial and mailed to the lab. Teal medical providers then review the results and follow up via telehealth. The kit, which is shipped to your door, is available for purchase online and costs $99 with in-network insurance and $249 via credit card or HSA/FSA payment. By the numbers: Self-collected samples using the wand have proven to detect cervical precancer 96% of the time, similar to clinician-collected ones, Teal Health's 16-site clinical trials found. Eighty-six percent of participants said they'd be more likely to stay up to date with screenings if they could do it at home, per the trials. What they're saying: A lot of people don't recognize the importance of getting tested regularly because it's not always clear what a Pap smear is for, Teal Health co-founder and CEO Kara Egan told Axios. Lack of appointments, time conflicts and discomfort with the exam are also top reasons for not screening, Egan added. The wand was designed to alleviate those concerns, she said, offering the "same accuracy, but just comfortably and privately from home."
Chicago Tribune
10 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Got the sniffles? Here's what to know about summer colds and the COVID-19 variant called stratus
Summer heat, outdoor fun … and cold and flu symptoms? The three may not go together in many people's minds: partly owing to common myths about germs and partly because many viruses really do have lower activity levels in the summer. But it is possible to get the sniffles — or worse — in the summer. Federal data released Friday, for example, shows COVID-19 is trending up in most states, with emergency department visits up among people of all ages. Here's what to know about summer viruses. The number of people seeking medical care for three key illnesses — COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV — is currently very low, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu is trending down and RSV has been steady. But COVID-19 is trending up in most U.S. states. Wastewater data from around the country estimates 'moderate' COVID-19 activity. CDC wastewater also shows the XFG variant — nicknamed stratus — is most common in the U.S. Stratus can cause a 'razor blade' sore throat and is considered a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organization. The WHO said the variant is only marginally better at evading people's immune systems and vaccines still work against it. The expectation is that COVID-19 will eventually settle into a winter seasonal pattern like other coronaviruses, but the past few years have brought a late summer surge, said Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at University of California Davis Children's Hospital. Other viruses circulating this time of year include the one that causes 'hand, foot and mouth' disease — which has symptoms similar to a cold, plus sores and rashes — and norovirus, sometimes called the stomach flu. Many viruses circulate seasonally, picking up as the weather cools in the fall and winter. So it's true that fewer people get stuffy noses and coughs in the summer — but cold weather itself does not cause colds. It's not just about seasonality. The other factor is our behavior, experts say. Nice weather means people are opening windows and gathering outside where it's harder for germs to spread. But respiratory viruses are still around. When the weather gets too hot and everyone heads inside for the air conditioning, doctors say they start seeing more sickness. In places where it gets really hot for a long time, summer can be cold season in its own right. 'I grew up on the East Coast and everybody gets sick in the winter,' said Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency room doctor and Arizona State University researcher. 'A lot of people get sick in the summer here. Why is that? Because you spend more time indoors.' For people who are otherwise healthy, timing is a key consideration to getting any vaccine. You want to get it a few weeks before that big trip or wedding, if that's the reason for getting boosted, doctors say. But, for most people, it may be worth waiting until the fall in anticipation of winter cases of COVID-19 really tick up. 'You want to be fully protected at the time that it's most important for you,' said Dr. Costi Sifri, of the University of Virginia Health System. People at higher risk of complications should always talk with their doctor about what is best for them, Sifri added. Older adults and those with weak immune systems may need more boosters than others, he said. Last month, the CDC noted emergency room visits among children younger than 4 were rising. That makes sense, Blumberg said, because many young kids are getting it for the first time or are unvaccinated. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in May that the shots would no longer be recommended for healthy kids, a decision that health experts have said lacks scientific basis. The American Academy of Pediatrics still endorses COVID-19 shots for children older than 6 months. The same things that help prevent colds, flu and COVID any other time of the year work in the summer, doctors say. Spend time outside when you can, wash your hands, wear a mask. And if you're sick, stay home.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
20 game-changing breastfeeding tips every new parent needs to know
Breastfeeding is hard — full stop. Still, according to the CDC, about 83% of birthing moms start nursing right after delivery, brimming with optimism. But by the end of that first month, 70% run into hurdles like pain, exhaustion and that panicky "I'm not making enough milk" feeling. Fast-forward, and only 2 out of 5 moms make it to the recommended full year of breastfeeding. The plot twist? With smart prep and expert strategies, you can dodge some of the biggest pitfalls and make this whole thing way easier. We asked top lactation consultants, nurses, midwives and doulas for their smartest, real-world advice — and, boy, did they deliver. Here are the 20 best breastfeeding tips you need. 1. Book a prenatal lactation consult — yes, before birth "The single best thing you can do to build breastfeeding confidence is to schedule a prenatal consultation with a lactation professional before delivery," says Charnise Littles, a birth doula, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Birth & Milk Co. "This allows you to understand how breastfeeding is initiated, set realistic expectations and prepare for common challenges." 2. Learn hand expression like it's a party trick Hand expression is the ultimate no-tech breastfeeding superpower — and most parents have no clue it exists. "Learning hand expression early builds confidence," says Leah Tribus, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and senior director of clinical and strategic partnership at The Lactation Network. Every squeeze tells your body to make more milk, stimulating flow. And just a drop or two of hand-expressed colostrum — the thick, nutrient-dense "first milk" — on your nipple can be enough to tempt a sleepy newborn to latch, says Tribus. After your baby's done eating, "express a few drops and let it dry on the nipple — nature's own nipple cream!" says Stephanie Nguyen, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Modern Milk. 3. Go skin-to-skin for at least an hour Embrace your newfound ability to toss all modesty out the window and place your newborn on your bare chest ASAP. Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, right after birth helps your milk come in. It also kick-starts the "love" hormone oxytocin, which fires up your baby's instinct to find your breast. "If you can, ask your care team ahead of time for a full, uninterrupted hour before any nonurgent newborn procedures," says Tribus. Those early minutes really matter: A 2022 report in the journal Nutrients found that newborns who had an hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin right after birth had better sucking skills — and parents reported more nursing confidence than those who got only 20 minutes. Keep kangarooing going when you're home. Doing it during your little one's first few weeks makes it easier for you to know when to feed them, and "it helps stimulate your baby's appetite thanks to the milk smell you give off," says Mindy Cockeram, board-certified lactation consultant and author of Pump It Up! "It's like you sleeping next to a warm pizza — the smell would be enough to wake you up and eat." 4. Measure success by diapers, not ounces Stop obsessing over ounces you can't see. "So many new parents assume they have a low milk supply when, in reality, things are going just fine," says Nguyen. Why the worry? Parents assume cluster or short feeds, fussy evenings and soft breasts mean they're making less milk. But the reality is, "diapers and weight gain are better indicators of supply," says Nguyen. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), newborns should churn out two to three wet diapers daily and then after the first four or five days, that'll go up to at least five to six wet diapers a day. 5. Ditch the clock — follow your baby's lead Forget what the momfluencers say: Newborns don't do schedules. Simply nurse your baby "as often as they're willing," according to the AAP. "Many parents unknowingly follow schedules too early — or miss their baby's subtle feeding cues," says Tribus. Frequent, on-demand feeding in the first weeks should be your game plan. That's what helps establish a solid milk supply. 6. Get a pro to check your latch early "Most nipple pain comes from a shallow latch," says Nguyen. But as a new parent, "shallow latch" likely means a whole lot of nothing to you. That's why it's important to get a proper latch assessment by a board-certified lactation consultant in the first few days after birth to help "prevent nipple pain and poor milk transfer from snowballing into much bigger problems," adds Tribus. Your baby has a good latch if you're comfortable (no pinching or sharp pain) and your baby's Chest is pressed against you. Lips are flanged out like "fish lips." Chin is pressed into your breast. Swallowing is easy to see or hear. Ears wiggle a bit while sucking. 7. Pick the right pump for your life The breast pump your sister, colleague, neighbor or BFF used does not automatically mean it's right for you. "Exclusive pumpers — or those separated from their baby regularly — should use a hospital-grade or high-quality double electric pump," says Tribus. One quiet, compact option to consider is the Spectra S1 Plus — it offers multiple suction strengths and speeds for a customizable experience, and 84% of Amazon reviewers give it 5 stars. If you've got more of an on-the-go lifestyle, Tribus recommends a compact, cordless option. "They offer more freedom, but they may be less efficient." The Elvie — a double, wearable pump — is a quiet, discrete pick that parents love. One 5-star reviewer shares, "This pump also helps stimulate my breasts to produce more milk. You can literally wear these for an hour each day and get so much milk." And for a suction-only manual pump, Nguyen's tried-and-true favorite is the Haakaa Silicone Pump. "It's super helpful in the early weeks for collecting milk during letdown." It's particularly helpful for catching milk on the opposite breast while nursing or for increasing milk supply through stimulation. Just make sure to get a secure suction to avoid (literally) crying over spilled milk. 8. Check your flange fit — more than once "Proper flange size is everything," says Nguyen. If you're wondering, a flange is basically a funnel for your boob — a cone-shaped cup that fits over your nipple and areola, creating a seal so your breast pump can work. Get the size wrong, and you're in for trouble: Too-big flanges can pull in excess tissue, causing pain, swelling, longer sessions and less milk — which can eventually tank your supply. Many pumps ship with a standard 24 mm flange, but you might need a smaller or larger one depending on your nipple size — and that size can change over time. "Measure early and check regularly since flange size can change after frequent pumping," says Nguyen. In fact, a 2024 study in the Journal of Human Lactation found that over 70% of pumping parents started with a flange that was too big — and switching to the right size improved both comfort and milk output. Some signs your flange is off: Your nipple rubs against the side, causing pain. Your areola — or extra breast tissue — gets pulled into the tunnel. You notice post-pumping redness or discoloration. Your skin looks lighter where the flange touches, restricting circulation. You're working way too hard for every ounce. Once you land on the right fit, "lubricate the flange," says Nguyen. "A bit of coconut oil or nipple balm in the flange can reduce friction." 9. Eat protein like you're training for the Olympics "New breastfeeding moms need double the amount of protein they did before pregnancy," says Dr. Lauren Davis, a dual board-certified osteopathic physician and founder of Latched Nourished Thriving. While U.S. guidelines recommend about 0.48 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily for lactating parents, 2020 research suggests exclusively chestfeeding parents may need closer to 0.8 grams per pound to maintain muscle mass and keep milk production strong. That's about 120 grams a day for a 150-pound parent. Beyond eating plant-based and lean proteins, Davis recommends keeping high-protein, nutrient-dense snacks around the house, like unsalted nuts — and adding a scoop of collagen to your morning coffee. Try Orgain Collagen Peptides (18 grams of protein per serving) — Yahoo's 'best overall' pick. 10. Keep bottles from stealing the show "If you're combo-feeding — juggling both breast and bottle — use a paced bottle-feeding method and stick with slow-flow nipples, even for older infants," says Tribus. Making bottle feeding more like breastfeeding helps prevent your baby from preferring the faster flow of a bottle and turning down the breast. The technique: Hold your baby upright, keep the bottle horizontal and let them control the pace. This mimics breastfeeding's natural rhythm and helps prevent bottle preference. 11. Try pants-free feeding This will go against your new-parent gut, but "don't keep your baby warm when they're feeding — no matter what your mother, grandmother or insert-another-elder-here says," advises Cockeram. "Instead, feed your newborn in just a diaper until they regain any lost newborn weight. You want your baby to be alert so they feed well, not fall asleep halfway through due to being overly warm." 12. Change positions like a yoga flow Don't lock into one breastfeeding position. "Rotating through holds helps distribute pressure on different parts of the nipple and breast," says Nguyen. What works for one feed may not work for the next, so keep experimenting until you're comfortable. After all, "babies know when you're not comfortable, and the latching will be more difficult,' says Tania Lopez, a certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Fort Worth, Texas. Some holds to add to the mix: Football hold: Great for C-section recovery, large breasts, flat or inverted nipples or a strong let-down. Tuck your baby at your side, lying on their back with their head at nipple level. Support the base of their head with your palm. Side-lying: Another post-cesarean winner — lie on your side, baby facing you, so you can rest while nursing. Cross-cradle hold: Ideal for preemies or babies with a weak suck. If nursing from the left breast, use your right arm to support them along your forearm, tummy to tummy. Cup the base of their head just below the ears, letting your fingers gently cradle their neck. 13. Don't blame the broccoli That gassy, spitty baby? Your lunch probably isn't the villain. "It's actually rare that something you're eating is giving your baby GI distress," says Lucy Chapin, a certified nurse midwife and founder of Mad River Birth and Wellness. So, please, (unless your baby has a confirmed allergy or intolerance) skip the restrictive diet — it's usually just reflux from swallowed air, not your kale salad. Instead, feed before your baby gets overly hungry, burp during and after nursing sessions and keep them upright for at least 20 minutes afterward. If your baby is otherwise gaining weight and seems content, time — not a food ban — is the real cure. 14. Baby your nipples like they're precious gems "Nipple pain is very common in the first few days of breastfeeding — especially as you and baby are still learning how to latch," says Nguyen. "But common doesn't mean normal if the pain is persistent or intense. Don't tough it out!" Instead, seek help from a lactation consultant, change positions and use nature's nipple balm: breast milk. "I also recommend proactively applying a high-quality lanolin or plant-based nipple cream, like Earth Mama Nipple Butter or Motherlove Nipple Cream, after every feeding," she says. "They can soothe and protect the skin. And let your nipples air dry to prevent chapping." And if your nips are sore and cracked already, try a silver nursing cup to soothe and protect. Nguyen's pick: Silverette Cups — "they're amazing!" 15. Forget everything you know about treating clogs Ditch the deep massage playbook. "For years, we were taught to 'work out' a clog in the breast with deep massage, heat and vibration — but the latest evidence shows that this can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms," says Nguyen. Instead, rest, hydrate and apply a cool compress to help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort. "And talk to your provider about possibly taking an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and pain, a breastfeeding-specific probiotic like Therbiotics Target B2 and a sunflower lecithin like Legendairy Milk Sunflower Lecithin too," says Nguyen. (Though, keep in mind research on probiotics and sunflower lecithin for clogged ducts is limited.) 16. Don't worry about the weaker boob "Most people have one breast that's the 'producer,' making a ton of milk, and the other that just doesn't," says Chapin. "As long as your baby is gaining weight and seems satisfied after eating, it's nothing to worry about." If your bub completely refuses to nurse on one side, however, turn to your trusted lactation consultant to investigate. 17. Question 'doctor's orders' to quit breastfeeding That medical advice to stop nursing because of your antidepressants, blood pressure meds or even antibiotics might be wrong. A massive review in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that in 98% of cases, women could've safely continued breastfeeding after being told to stop because of their medication. Translation? Your health care provider might be playing it unnecessarily safe. Now, this doesn't mean you need — or should — make this determination on your own. Instead, ask for evidence-based guidance or ask for a referral to a lactation pharmacology expert. (They exist!) Your questions to ask: "What specific risk does this medication pose?" and "Can you refer me to someone who specializes in breastfeeding and medications?" Many doctors simply don't have the specialized training to make these calls confidently. 18. Master the hands-free 'feeding shelf' "People are surprised when I show them how to set up pillows so you can essentially nurse hands-free," says Laura Hunter, a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Moms on Call. "The idea is to prop your pillows so your shoulders can drop and your arms rest naturally — almost like your baby is nestled into a little feeding shelf." Use a structured nursing pillow like the My Brest Friend (Hunter's go-to for its adjustable height and stable surface), or layer smaller pillows and rolled blankets to create the perfect height where your baby lies tummy-to-tummy on their side while you sit upright and breathe deeply. "That simple change — removing the strain from your arms and neck — often transforms the whole experience," she says. 19. Have your comeback ready for the boob critics Whether it's a nosy relative, a stranger in the checkout line or cultural pressure to stop, you don't have to defend breastfeeding — ever. "Breastfeeding is a deeply personal choice that requires intentionality to maintain," says Littles. One of her go-to responses when someone questions it: "Will you be buying a year's supply of formula for us?" You can also flip it to the positive: Remind them breastfeeding benefits your baby and your health — lowering your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes and more, says Littles. Either way, you shut down the commentary and keep feeding your way. 20. Yes, you can comfort nurse! "It's totally OK to breastfeed just for comfort," says Nguyen. "Breastfeeding isn't just about nutrition. It's about bonding, calming, regulating your baby's nervous system — and yours. Nursing to soothe is biologically normal and OK. You're not spoiling your baby — you're meeting their needs." Meet the experts Charnise Littles, IBCLC, board-certified lactation consultant, birth doula and founder of Birth & Milk Co. Leah Tribus, RN, IBCLC, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and senior director of clinical and strategic partnership at The Lactation Network Stephanie Nguyen, RN, IBCLC, registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Modern Milk Mindy Cockeram, IBCLC, board-certified lactation consultant and author of Pump It Up! Lauren Davis, DO, dual board-certified osteopathic physician and functional medicine expert specializing in postpartum recovery and founder of Latched Nourished Thriving Tania Lopez, certified nurse-midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Fort Worth, Tex. Lucy Chapin, certified nurse-midwife and founder of Mad River Birth and Wellness Laura Hunter, LPN, a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Moms on Call
