Yucatán Confirms Brain-Eating Amoeba in Plaza La Isla Lake, Investigates Maintenance Firms

Mérida, Yucatán — The Yucatán state government confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri, widely known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” in the artificial lake at Plaza La Isla, where a 34-year-old man took part in water activities before dying of meningoencephalitis.

Following the confirmation, officials announced they will investigate the companies responsible for maintaining the lake and guaranteeing its water quality to determine whether they complied with health regulations, and to impose sanctions if they did not.

“The government of Yucatán will investigate whether the companies in charge of maintenance and water quality at that lake complied. It will act with the full force of the law and in strict adherence to the law. Anyone who failed to comply with health regulations will be sanctioned,” the state government said in a statement.

The Institute for Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) confirmed that the 34-year-old man’s death was caused by Naegleria fowleri, while the National Network of Public Health Laboratories detected the amoeba in samples taken from the artificial lake.

According to authorities, that result links the site to the probable route of infection.

In response, the Directorate for Protection against Health Risks at the Yucatán Health Services (SSY) ratified the suspension of activities at the lake’s facilities. The record drawn up during the inspection will be sent to the Rulings and Resolutions office to determine the corresponding administrative measures.

Lake to Remain Closed

Before the site can reopen, the company responsible must demonstrate through laboratory tests that the water is suitable for recreational use, in line with standard NOM-245-SSA1-2010.

Authorities will then carry out a new inspection and take water samples before deciding whether to lift the temporary suspension.

The state government said the body of water where the amoeba was found is artificial and has no connection to other recreational sites or to the drinking water network. “There is no risk to the population of Yucatán,” it said.

It also specified that meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri is not transmitted from person to person and is not contracted by drinking water, describing it as a serious but extremely rare disease. According to official information, this is the first case recorded in Yucatán.

How Infection Occurs

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that can thrive in warm, stagnant freshwater, particularly when temperatures range between 35 and 46 degrees Celsius (95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit).

Infection can occur when contaminated water enters through the nose during activities such as swimming, diving or submerging. Early symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Health authorities noted that in natural water bodies with currents and temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius (75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit), conditions are less favorable for the organism to develop.

The Yucatán Health Services called on establishments that offer immersion activities to comply with health regulations and keep their water quality studies up to date, adding that sanitary monitoring will continue at recreational sites across the state.