Brain-eating amoeba detected in Louisiana water system

A close up photograph of Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that is known to attack the central nervous system.

NEW ORLEANS — A potentially deadly amoeba has been detected in a Terrebonne Parish water system, and while officials say tap water is safe to drink, they are urging people to avoid getting it in their noses. The Louisiana Department of Health notified the Schriever Water System and town officials Thursday after confirmed the amoeba’s presence. The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, causes a brain infection that leads to the destruction of tissue.

In its early stages, symptoms may be similar to bacterial meningitis. "We would caution the public to refrain from allowing water to enter their nasal passages," Sobert said in a statement posted on the parish government’s Facebook page. "The water is safe to drink." The health department asked the water system to convert its current disinfection method to the free chlorine method for 60 days to ensure that any remaining amoeba is eliminated. A chlorine burn involves boosting chlorine levels to kill the amoeba and bio-film, which can provide a place for the amoeba to live.

Brain-eating amoeba: How to stay safe from Naegleria fowleri The state has tested […]

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