Brain-eating amoeba: Warning of deadly amoeba in American city water

Residents have been warned to be careful when using tap water after finding deadly amoeba in the water supply system of Lake Jackson in the US state of Texas. These amoeba are said to eat the human brain.

The presence of this bacterium called Naegleria fowleri has been confirmed in the water supply system. This single-celled amoeba can cause inflammation of the brain which is usually fatal.

The bacterium can grow on its own in water and can grow in all countries of the world.

The incidence of this infection is rare in America. Between 2009 and 2016, there were 34 such infections.

Officials in Lake Jackson say they have begun work on disinfecting the entire water supply system, but are not sure how long it will take.

Residents of eight Texas cities were told Friday night not to use tap water for anything other than flushing toilets. But on Saturday the warning was lifted from all cities except Lake Jackson. Lake Jackson is home to more than 26,000 people.

City authorities in Lake Jackson later said people could now use tap water, but that the water should be boiled well before drinking. Residents have been told to be careful about other things, such as taking a shower or bathing so that water does not run through the nose or mouth.

City residents were also told that children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems for any reason were "particularly at risk".

Officials say they will take the whole water out of the water supply system to check if the amoeba is present anywhere and will re-supply it through pipes only if the water is safe.

Lake Jackson city manager Modesto Mundo told reporters that city authorities began an investigation into the water supply system after a six-year-old boy died of the virus earlier this month.

Naegleria fowleri can grow naturally in freshwater in any country of the world. People can be infected if contaminated water enters the body through the nose. These amoeba enter the brain through the nose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States says people are more likely to become infected when they swim in "warm freshwater" or jump into such waters.

The CDC says there is no risk of infecting humans by drinking contaminated water and there is no risk of transmitting the virus from one person to another.

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection include fever, nausea, and vomiting. There is also difficulty in moving the neck and headaches and most of the infected person dies within a week.

Earlier this year, the virus was reported in Florida, USA. At that time, local health officials said to be careful not to let water from the faucet or any other source enter the body through the nose.