After death from “brain-eating amoeba” – Mexico closes six lakes

Authorities in the state of Yucatán have closed six man-made lakes following the death of a man in Mexico from a rare infection with the so-called brain-eating amoeba. Protozoa of the genus Naegleria, which also includes the highly dangerous parasite Naegleria fowleri, were detected in six of nine waters examined in the city of Mérida, Yucatán's Health Minister Alberto Alcocer announced.

A 34-year-old man died in September from a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. He had worked as a water ski instructor at an artificial lake in which the pathogen was detected. All six affected bodies of water are used for recreational activities.

Yucatán is located on the peninsula of the same name in southeastern Mexico and is also a popular travel destination for German tourists. Attractions include the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and the natural freshwater pools known as cenotes. The current safety measures concern artificial lakes in Mérida - a general closure of natural bathing waters has not been announced.

Parasite in warm waters: via nose to brain

Infections with the Naegleria fowleri parasite are extremely rare, but are almost always fatal. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the organism is particularly widespread in the subtropics and tropics. The parasite spreads primarily in warm waters and can enter a person's brain through their nose while swimming. There it can cause meningitis, which in most cases leads to coma and ultimately death.