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Residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, have been warned after a brain-eating microbe was detected in tap water, the BBC writes.
According to tests, Naegleria fowleri multiplies in the drinking water supply system. Amoeba can cause an infection in the brain, which is usually fatal.
Brain-eating amoeba infections are rare in the United States, with only 34 cases recorded between 2009 and 2018.
The presence of the microbe was discovered after a six-year-old boy was attacked by an amoeba in early September and the boy died.
Lake Jackson officials said they were disinfecting the water supply system, but couldn’t say yet how long it would take.
Lake Jackson, with a population of 27,000, was ordered on Friday to use water only for flushing. This was later modified to make it drinkable after boiling. However, they asked everyone to be careful not to let water get into their noses while showering and bathing.
According to the city administration, children, the elderly and a weak immune system are particularly at risk.
The amoeba is not spread from person to person anyway, nor can it become infected by swallowing contaminated water.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, neck, and headache. Most patients die within a week.
Featured Image: Getty Images
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