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. According to KHOU-TV/Houston, “Josiah died on Sept. 8. His death prompted to test the water. CDC preliminary results came back yesterday. 3 of 11 samples were positive: a downtown splash pad, his home’s hose bib and a hydrant.”
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality late Saturday lifted the warning for Lake Jackson and replaced it with a notice to boil water for bathing and and cooking and advised residents to prevent water from getting into their nose.
The commission on Friday warned the Brazosport Water Authority of the potential contamination and warned eight communities not to use tap water.
The CDC suggests that the following measures may reduce your risk of naegleria infection:
Don’t swim in or jump into warm freshwater lakes and rivers.
Hold your nose shut or use nose clips when jumping or diving into warm bodies of fresh water.
Avoid disturbing the sediment while swimming in shallow, warm fresh waters.
