Key Facts on the Amoeba Risk in Public Water Supply

  • Published
  • 2nd Medical Group
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Recent news articles in Louisiana are reporting on the detection of the Naegleria fowleri amoeba in a water system in De Soto Parish and earlier in St. Bernard Parish near New Orleans. Environmental health personnel in the 2nd Medical Group and drinking water system managers from the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron are aware and currently in contact with the state Department of Health and Hospitals who are addressing the issue in De Soto Parish.

"Drinking water supplied from Shreveport is tested weekly and boosted with chlorination as it enters the base," said Maj. Carl Champion, Bioenvironmental Engineer Flight commander. "These robust efforts ensure our water supply is safe from contamination. In short, the base water supply is consistently monitored to safe-guard the health of the base population."

Key facts to know about the Barksdale Water System and the amoeba risk for your awareness:
  • The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is usually found in warm water ponds, lakes or hot springs.
  • Cases of infections are very rare and are documented going back several years in southern United States. The route of exposure in these infections was by water forced up the nose by swimming, diving or using Neti-pots with tap water to treat sinuses.
  • Drinking the water does not cause infections with this amoeba.
  • Adequate chlorination in public water systems disinfects against the amoeba.
  • Barksdale water system is supplied from the City of Shreveport. Base civil engineering boosts chlorination levels as it enter the base.
  • Bioenvironmental and Civil Engineering test water quality around the base weekly to monitor chlorination levels and test for bacteria.
The Barksdale water system reduces vulnerabilities of contamination entering the water system through these procedures: constant sampling and monitoring treatment, rapid response to any pressure loss or damage and excellent communication between medical support and utility operations. A meeting between the state Health Department, 2 CES personnel and Bioenvironmental personnel will be coordinated in the next few weeks. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will advise all public water systems on precautions to further reduce risk or improve treatment methods.