A devoted 62-year-old man's attempt to prove to his worried girlfriend that their tap water was safe ended in the most tragic way imaginable.
The man, known only by his surname Jeong, developed a devastating brain infection and died just days after drinking the water in his home in South Korea's Gwangju province. His story serves as a stark and heartbreaking warning about a rare but deadly waterborne amoeba.
A Fatal Gesture of Reassurance
The couple's nightmare began when the woman expressed deep concerns about the quality of their water supply. To allay her fears and demonstrate that the water was perfectly safe, Mr Jeong consumed a large glass of it straight from the tap.
Tragically, this act of reassurance would have fatal consequences. Shortly after drinking the water, he began to experience the terrifying symptoms of a severe infection.
The Rapid Onset of a Deadly Illness
Mr Jeong was quickly rushed to hospital after developing a crippling headache, vomiting, and a stiff neck—classic signs of a neurological infection. Doctors worked tirelessly to diagnose and treat him.
He was diagnosed with primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an incredibly rare and almost always fatal infection of the brain. It is caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, a single-celled organism often found in warm freshwater.
A Heartbreaking Loss and a Serious Warning
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the infection progressed rapidly. The amoeba causes severe brain swelling and destruction of tissue, leading to death in the vast majority of cases. Mr Jeong passed away just ten days after first falling ill.
Health officials confirmed the presence of the deadly amoeba in the couple's home water system. This rare case has prompted a significant public health response, with authorities implementing a thorough purge and disinfecting process for the local water supply to prevent further tragedy.
This devastating story highlights the critical importance of water safety and serves as a sobering reminder that even a simple glass of water can, in extremely rare circumstances, harbour unseen dangers.
