6-Year Old Josiah McIntyre died on September 8th, 2020 at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Only a couple days before he was hospitalized and a rare, brain-deteriorating microbe, Naegleria Fowleri, was the cause for his illness and untimely death. This prompted the Brazoria County Health Department to contact the City of Lake Jackson urgently in an effort to test the public water for safety.
Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, issued a disaster declaration in Brazoria County on Sunday, September 27th, after the discovery of the amoeba in the local water supply system. Local authorities and experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came to Lack Jackson to test their water; the results showed that approximately three out of the eleven samples collected tested positive.
On Sunday, September 27th, the “do not use water” order was shifted to a “boil water” notice, advising Brazoria County residents to boil their tap water before drinking it, or using it to cook with. Residents should also take precautions when showering and washing their hands.
It was confirmed that the hose from Josiah’s McIntyre’s own home was one of the samples which contained the amoeba, and the other two samples were pulled from a “splash pad” play fountain and a hydrant. It is strongly advised to avoid public water spaces, especially warm lakes, rivers, springs, and water parks, which are closed for the foreseeable future.
The CDC has issued a statement saying that Naegleria Fowleri “typically affects people when the contaminated water enters their body through their nose.”
The microbe travels to the brain and causes a condition called amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but highly lethal disease. Contrary to the fears of the public, the CDC claims that people cannot get infected from swallowing water containing the deadly amoeba.
The symptoms to look out for include headaches, vomiting and a fever, which can escalate into loss of balance and hallucinations. The infection can lead to death, typically within five days. Though infections from the microbe are rare, it is most definitely fatal. Health officials urge residents to take precautions by allowing bath, shower taps, and hoses to run for several minutes before use.
Currently, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency are flushing and disinfecting the city’s water system by converting the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. This is known as a “chlorine burn.”
Meanwhile, the family of Josiah McIntyre has created a PayPal account to gather funds in preparation for Josiah’s funeral expenses. His mother described him as “the sweetest soul,” and “the happiest boy you ever met.” My thoughts and prayers are with his family during these even harsher times.
