Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
State government Texas, United States of America set a disaster emergency status after a six-year-old boy died of infection amoeba brain eater.
The emergency status is in effect since Sunday (27/9) in the Brazoria County area, which includes Lake Jackson.
The boy died on September 8, 2020 after becoming infected with a brain-eating amoeba that has a name Naegleria fowleri.
As quoted from AFP, Texas Government Spokesperson revealed that Nagleria fowleri found on a tap hose in a park near the boy’s house.
Apart from parks, the same amoebae were found in downtown fountains and on fire hydrants in the city, which is only an hour away from the city of Houston.
The grandparents of the deceased child told the Houston Chronicle that his grandson may have been exposed to contaminated water while he was playing in a downtown sprinkler park shortly before he fell ill.
The splash park has now been closed by the authorities. Surrounding residents are advised to avoid using tap water for drinking, bathing or cooking through a warning.
The warning has now been lifted, but residents are still strongly advised to always boil water before use.
Amoeba Naegleria fowleri known to breed in warm, fresh lake or river water and poorly maintained swimming pools.
Enter the body through the lining of the nose and penetrate the brain. May cause severe migraines, hyperthermia, neck stiffness, vomiting, dizziness, extreme fatigue, confusion, and hallucinations.
(ndn/dea)
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