Tragic Death of Boy in South Carolina Lake Highlights Brain-Eating Amoeba Risks

A 12-year-old boy died from a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Lake Murray, highlighting the dangers of warm freshwater lakes where Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal brain infections. The amoeba enters through the nose, with symptoms starting as headaches and nausea, and almost always resulting in death. Precautions include avoiding submerging the head in warm water, using nose clips, and ensuring water safety measures, as infections are rare but deadly.