Brain-eating microbe in US city water

FE Team | Published: September 27, 2020 20:40:48

A resident taking tap water — BBC

LAKE JACKSON, Sept 27 (BBC): Residents of Lake Jackson, Texas, have been warned about using tap water after a deadly brain-eating microbe was found in the city's public water supply.
Tests confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in the system. The amoeba can cause an infection of the brain, which is usually fatal.
Infections are rare in the US, with 34 reported between 2009 and 2018.
Officials in Lake Jackson said they were disinfecting the water supply but did not know how long this would take.
Eight Texas communities were originally told on Friday night not to use their water supply for any reason except to flush toilets. The warning was lifted on Saturday for everywhere but Lake Jackson, a city of more than 27,000 residents.
Authorities in Lake Jackson later said that people could begin using the water, but must boil it before drinking it. Residents were also told to take other measures, including not allowing water to go up their noses while showering or bathing.