Deadly Brain-Eating Microbe Found In Texas Tap Water

LAKE JACKSON, Texas (AP) – Environmental officials in Texas have lifted a warning for a final Houston-area community to stop using tap water because it might be tainted with a deadly brain-eating microbe, but with a warning that the water should be boiled before being consumed.  Earlier this month, 6-year-old Josh McIntyre died after contracting the microbe, naegleria fowleri.
The investigation into his death led to the detection of the brain-eating amoeba after heath officials conducted water sample tests.  Lake Jackson City Manager Modesto Mundo said in a news release that three of 11 sample tests indicated preliminary positive results for the brain-eating microbe, with one sample coming from a hose bib at the boy’s home, Mundo.  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality late Saturday lifted a warning for Lake Jackson not to use the water and replaced it with a notice to boil the water for drinking and cooking. They also advised residents to prevent water from getting into their nose when bathing, showering, swimming and washing their face.  State and local officials are working to flush and disinfect the water system. Until the flushing and disinfecting process is complete, the city remains under the boil notice.