Tragic Death in Georgia: Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Claims Another Victim
A resident of Georgia has died from Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," after likely being infected while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond. Naegleria fowleri destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and usually death. This is the sixth reported case of Naegleria fowleri in Georgia since 1962. The amoeba enters the body through the nose and symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. The risk of infection is rare, but the fatality rate is high at 97%. With rising temperatures due to climate change, experts warn that infections may become more common. Precautions include avoiding diving into warm freshwater, holding the nose shut or using nose clips, and avoiding stirring up sediment in shallow, warm freshwater.
- Georgia resident dies from rare brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri USA TODAY
- Georgia resident dies from rare ‘brain-eating amoeba’ The Guardian US
- Georgia resident dies from rare brain-eating amoeba, health officials say CNN
- Person in Georgia dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in freshwater lake - becoming second US victim Daily Mail
- What to know about brain-eating amoeba, symptoms and how to avoid it The Washington Post
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