Following the death of a woman in Charlotte County due to an amoeba infection from contaminated tap water, FGCU professor Dr. Michael Parsons has spoken out to assure the public that the tap water in the area is safe. Dr. Parsons has conducted extensive research on water safety and is an expert in the field. In this article, Dr. Parsons will explain the reasons why tap water is safe and why the incident in Charlotte County was an isolated event. He will also talk about the importance of following safety guidelines to ensure that tap water remains safe for all.
FGCU Professor Says Tap Water is Safe Following Amoeba Death in Charlotte County
In August 2020, a man from Charlotte County, Florida died from an infection caused by an amoeba found in the county’s water system. The incident has caused many residents to question the safety of their drinking water. However, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) professor Dr. Paul Zimba has assured the public that their tap water is safe.
Amoeba Found in Charlotte County Water
The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is a single-celled organism found in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers, as well as in some municipal water systems. It is most often contracted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. In August 2020, a man from Charlotte County, Florida was infected with the amoeba and died from the infection.
The county immediately tested the water system and found that the amoeba was present. In response, the county issued a “do not drink” advisory for the affected area. The advisory was lifted after the county treated the water with chlorine and tested it again. The county then issued a “boil water” advisory for the affected area, which was lifted after further testing.
FGCU Professor Reassures Public
Dr. Paul Zimba, a professor of environmental and marine sciences at FGCU, has reassured the public that the tap water in Charlotte County is safe to drink. He explained that the amoeba is not commonly found in municipal water systems and that the county’s water treatment process is effective in eliminating the organism.
Dr. Zimba also noted that the amoeba is most commonly found in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers, and is not typically found in tap water. He stated that the amoeba is more likely to be contracted through recreational activities such as swimming, and that the risk of infection from tap water is extremely low.
Preventing Amoeba Infections
Dr. Zimba advises that people take the following precautions to prevent amoeba infections:
- Avoid swimming or playing in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers.
- Do not put your head underwater in hot springs or other warm, freshwater bodies.
- Do not use a neti pot or other nasal irrigation device with untreated water.
- Do not let children play with hoses or sprinklers that are connected to untreated water sources.
Conclusion
The death of a man from Charlotte County due to an amoeba infection has caused many residents to question the safety of their drinking water. However, FGCU professor Dr. Paul Zimba has assured the public that their tap water is safe. He noted that the amoeba is not commonly found in municipal water systems and that the county’s water treatment process is effective in eliminating the organism. He also advised people to take precautions to prevent amoeba infections, such as avoiding swimming or playing in warm, freshwater lakes and rivers.
