Cerebral amoeba found in the water system of Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. – According to the operator of the water supply system, part of a water system in Louisiana has been tested positive for an amoeba that eats the brain.

Andy Freeman, the operator of Sligo Water System, said residents of the south of Bossier Parish, southeast of Shreveport, could be affected.

This is the brain tissue that has been attacked by the naegleria fowleri, also called "the amoeba that eats the brain".

George R. Healy, CDC

The Louisiana Department of Health conducted a random test of the system last week and informed the system Friday, said Freeman.

Sligo had bought the water tested positive for the amoeba from the town of Bossier. Sligo has been disconnected from Bossier City's water and now uses well water to power these customers, Freeman said.

Sligo's other test sites did not have an amoeba, Freeman said.

More: The fatal symptoms of the cerebral amoeba are difficult to identify

Sligo was already preoccupied with chlorine levels, so he started rinsing the affected part of the water on Wednesday, Freeman said. The water system has been instructed to initiate free chlorine combustion for the next 60 days.

The state did not issue a boiling order, Freeman said.

L & # 39; amoeba Naegleria Fowleri, is commonly found in freshwater and soil. It usually infects people when it enters the body through the nose and later into the brain. You can not get infected by swallowing water.

Attempts to contact Traci Landry, spokesman for the town of Bossier, were unsuccessful before publication.

Sligo normally serves water users with well water, but dry conditions have pushed him to buy water from Bossier City, Freeman said.

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