EMSL Provides Testing for Deadly Amoeba Naegleria fowleri Found in Texas Water Supply

Residents of eight cities have been alerted that a brain-eating amoeba was found in a southeast Texas water supply. Naegleria fowleri lives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, geothermal hot springs and in soil. People become infected when water containing Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose. The amoeba migrates to the brain along the olfactory nerve where it begins to destroy brain tissue. Illness and symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress quickly to seizures, hallucinations and coma resulting in death with a fatality rate over 97%. Infections occur mainly during the summer months of July, August and September when it is hot for prolonged periods of time triggering higher water temperatures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the amoeba can also be found in warm water discharge from industrial plants and in swimming pools that are not properly cleaned, maintained and disinfected.

“The majority of those sickened by the amoeba become infected after swimming in warm freshwater environments,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This amoeba often goes undetected, but EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides testing for Naegleria fowleri from environmental samples using powerful DNA amplification methodologies.”

The experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. provide aquatic microbiology as well as traditional microbial and chemical identification services. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, they offer environmental testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about this or other environmental and industrial hygiene testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to a Drinking Water Test Kit, visit www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail