---

A device for flushing out stuffed sinuses has been been linked to a deadly brain-eating amoeba.

The Louisiana Department of Health put out a warning last week about neti pots after two people in the state died from what is believed to be their improper use of the device.

The pots look like mini genie lamps and are used to irrigate the sinuses to relieve congestion from a cold or allergies.

A 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man became infected with Naegleria fowleri - the so-called brain-eating amoeba - after using a neti pot filled with tap water instead of the recommended sterilized water, officials said in a news release.

"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," said Louisiana State epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard.

"Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose."

He added that it's important to rinse the device after each use and leave it to air dry.

Naegleria fowleri infections are very rare. The amoeba typically enters the body through the nose and can occur when people submerge their heads in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, or in inadequately chlorinated swimming pools. You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking water.

The pathogen causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. In its early stages, symptoms of PAM may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis and can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.

The disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days, say the health officials.

---