June 29, 2017 LDH Confirms Naegleria Fowleri Ameba in North Monroe, Schriever Water SystemsDrinking water is safe to consume, but residents should take precautions

- Routine drinking water testing by the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri, an ameba that occurs naturally in freshwater, in Ouachita Parish’s North Monroe Water System and Terrebonne Parish’s Schriever Water System.

The tap water is safe for residents to drink, but the Department urges residents to avoid getting water in their noses.

The Louisiana Department of Health notified the water system and local officials Thursday afternoon. The Department asked the water system to convert the disinfection method to the free chlorine method for a period of 60 days to ensure that any remaining ameba in the system are eliminated.

The Louisiana Department of Health has routinely tested for this ameba since 2015. The Department conducts sampling of public drinking water systems for Naegleria fowleri each summer when temperatures rise, and has collected a total of 540 samples for this ameba since 2013.

Naegleria fowleri causes a disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. In its early stages, symptoms of PAM may be similar to bacterial meningitis.

Precautionary Measures for Families

According to the CDC, every resident can take simple steps to help reduce their risk of Naegleria fowleri infection. Individuals should focus on limiting the amount of water going up their nose. Preventative measures recommended by the CDC include the following:

Residents should continue these precautions until testing no longer confirms the presence of the ameba in the water system. The water system will notify residents when that occurs. For more information, visit http://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1696.

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 residents. To learn more about LDH, visit www.ldh.la.gov. For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow LDH's Twitter account, Facebook and blog.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

Powered by Cicero Government