{
  "id": 14747279,
  "title": "Mérida Amoeba Found in 6 of 9 Lakes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/merida-amoeba-found-in-6-of-9-lakes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T17:15:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Rio Times",
    "slug": "the-rio-times",
    "url": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/mexico-merida-amoeba-six-lakes-water-contact-suspended-2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health authorities in Yucatán discovered Naegleria amoebae in six out of nine artificial lakes in Mérida, suspending water contact at those sites. Parks and zoos remained open, with barriers and signs installed. The tests followed a fatal case in September linked to Plaza La Isla lake. The state health service analyzed nine lakes and announced the results on October 14. Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena had widened the surveillance. Naegleria was found in the Plaza La Isla lake, the eastern and main lakes of Cabo Norte complex, the Centenario Zoo lake, Gran Parque La Plancha lake, and the Parque Ecológico del Poniente. Three sites tested negative: the central lake at Cabo Norte, Acuaparque, and the Animaya zoo lake. None of the nine lakes were used for swimming, and Animaya's catamaran rides involved no water contact. Three lakes tested negative: the central lake at Cabo Norte, Acuaparque, and the Animaya zoo lake. The state confirmed Naegleria fowleri in the September death, but the species was not named in the latest release. No new cases have been reported since September, and the six affected lakes remain closed to contact until they meet sanitary conditions.",
  "summary": "Yucatán health officials announced on 14 October that Naegleria amoebae were found in six of nine Mérida lakes. Water contact is suspended at all six. The post Mérida Amoeba Found in 6 of 9 Lakes appeared first on The Rio Times .",
  "key_points": [
    "Mérida health authorities found Naegleria amoebae in six of nine lakes.",
    "Naegleria fowleri caused a fatal case in September at Plaza La Isla lake.",
    "Three lakes tested negative: central lake at Cabo Norte, Acuaparque, and Animaya zoo lake."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}