Mérida authorities investigate probable amebic meningoencephalitis death

Health authorities in Yucatán are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man following a probable diagnosis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. The patient was admitted to the IMSS General Regional Hospital No. 12 in Mérida on September 2, where he suffered severe neurological deterioration and cerebral edema. Despite receiving mechanical ventilation and antiparasitic, antibiotic, and antifungal treatments, he passed away on September 8.

Epidemiological investigations revealed the man had frequent contact with a recreational body of water where he worked, specifically at the La Isla plaza lake. As a precaution, sanitary personnel closed the site on September 4 to collect environmental samples. These samples were sent to the State Public Health Laboratory in Hidalgo for specialized analysis, as it possesses the necessary analytical capacity.

Authorities emphasize that the diagnosis has not yet been confirmed through laboratory studies, and no direct link between the water source and the death has been established. The closure of the recreational area is a preventive measure, and officials stated that the presence of the infectious agent in the water has not been detected at this time.