A deadly, brain-eating amoeba that was responsible for the death of a 4-year-old boy has returned to a water supply in Louisiana.
The water supply has been clear of the amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri for two years, but recent testing found it has returned to the water of St. Bernard Parish, according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.
The Louisiana parish water system supplies water to 44,000 people and this wasn't the first time the supply was contaminated. In September 2013, a 4-year-old boy died from infection with Naegleria fowleri. The water in his home and plumbing system were contaminated with this amoeba, the CDC confirmed.
It was believed that the boy became infected while playing on a Slip 'N Slide, according to ABC. The amoeba itself can't infect you just by drinking contaminated water, according to the DHH, but does invade through other openings like the nose.
The water supplies of St. Bernard Parish are tested every summer as temperatures rise. This particular amoeba thrives in warm water environments, according to The Weather Channel.
Tap water in this area is safe to drink, and the department is still waiting for 12 other sample test results from surrounding water supplies. The DHH does, however, urge residents to avoid letting water get into their noses.
In response, a 60-day free chlorine burn in the water systems is being conducted, according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Officials continue to send water samples from the surrounding area out for testing.
