Mexican authorities have reported the presence of the infamous amoeba. «"brain eater"» in six artificial lakes in a popular tourist region of the country, which have been closed, according to an official source.
Lakes for water skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking
Health officials in the state of Yucatán analyzed the water from six of the nine lakes in the southeastern Yucatán after the death of a water ski instructor who had contracted the amoeba. Naegleria fowleri According to the Regional Health Secretariat, these lakes were built for recreational purposes, for water skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking, in shopping centers and luxury residences last September.
Yucatán is known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches, resorts, and Mayan ruins. This is the first recorded death in the state, which is also famous for its impressive natural freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes (natural wells and cavities with crystal-clear fresh water, formed by the collapse of limestone), where authorities have decided to strengthen health monitoring.
Very rare but almost always fatal brain infections
Yucatán's Health Secretary, Alberto Alcocer, urged residents to consult a doctor as soon as possible if they have possibly been in contact with contaminated water. «"Finding this amoeba in the environment does not mean that there is an epidemic, nor that the people who visited these places are sick."», this official stated in a video published Wednesday evening. «"The infection mechanism occurs when contaminated water (...) enters through the nose."», he explained: «"This means we must continue to act preventively."».
The deceased ski instructor was hospitalized for several days before dying from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, the disease caused by the amoeba. Naegleria fowleri proliferates in stagnant fresh waters of lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs all over the world, especially between 35 and 46°C, according to Mexican health authorities.
The brain infections it causes are very rare, but almost always fatal. The Yucatán government has opened an investigation into the companies responsible for the maintenance and water quality of the first lake where the amoeba was detected.
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