Two local water systems in Louisiana were found to have traces of a brain-eating amoeba, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.

The systems in Terrebonne Parish's Schriever Water system and the Ouachita Parish's North Monroe Water System both tested positive for Naegleria fowleri, a naturally occurring freshwater amoeba, according to Tech Times.

You cannot be infected by drinking water that has the amoeba in it. Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose and then makes its way to the brain.

The mortality rate is extremely high. Ninety-eight percent of those infected will die if the amoeba enters the brain.

About the Author

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff