Policy

Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Louisiana Water Supply

Officials still say water is safe to drink

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A deadly, brain-eating amoeba has been found in the water supply in Louisiana.

The amoeba – Naegleria fowleri – was found in water tested in the Violet and Arabi communities in Louisiana, outside New Orleans.

It is believed to be the first time the parasite has been identified in a US water supply, but health officials say that it is still safe to drink.

The discovery follows the bug-linked deaths last month of an unidentified four-year-old boy from Mississippi and 12-year-old Zachary Reyna from Florida.