Brain-eating amoeba found in six Yucatán artificial lakes, prompting closures
Mexican health officials detected the deadly Naegleria fowleri amoeba in six artificial lakes in Yucatán and ordered them shut after a water-ski instructor died from the infection.
State health services in Yucatán analyzed water samples from six of the nine artificial lakes built for recreational activities and discovered the presence of Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba that caused a fatal meningitis case last September in a water-ski instructor. The lakes, located in luxury residential and commercial complexes, were promptly closed to the public. Secretary of Health Alberto Alcocer warned that infection happens when contaminated water is forced up the nose and advised residents to consult a doctor if they suspect exposure.
He also clarified that the finding does not indicate an epidemic nor that visitors are currently ill. Authorities plan to tighten sanitary oversight of the natural cenotes and have opened an inquiry into the firms that manage the water quality of the affected lake. This marks the first recorded death from the parasite in the state, prompting heightened public-health measures.
Why it matters
A rare but often fatal brain infection was found in popular recreational waters, leading to closures and health alerts.
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