Today, the Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) re-confirmed that Naegleria fowleri was present in the St. Bernard Parish Water System. After last Wednesday's positive sample results, LDH re-sampled water in the area near the initial positive. All three follow-up samples tested positive for Naegleria fowleri. The water system is currently under a 60-day chlorine burn to ensure that any remaining ameba in the system are eliminated.
"The tests from today were confirmatory," said LDH State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry. Water samples were collected at 948 Angela, 701 Lebeau and 318 Pontabol in St. Bernard Parish.
Tap water in St. Bernard Parish is safe for residents to drink, but the Department advises residents to avoid getting water in their noses. Naegleria fowleri is an ameba that occurs naturally in freshwater.
The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit www.dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's Twitter account and Facebook.
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