Death Confirmed from Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba in Southern Lake

A pediatric death in South Carolina has been linked to Naegleria fowleri, a rare and deadly amoeba found in warm freshwater lakes like Lake Murray, with infection risk heightened by water entering the nose during activities like swimming. The infection, primary amebic meningoencephalitis, is extremely rare but often fatal, with symptoms appearing within days of exposure. Preventative measures include avoiding submerging the head in warm freshwater and using nose clips. Despite the high fatality rate, cases are very uncommon, and the infection does not spread person-to-person.