Tragic Death of Georgia Teen Highlights Brain-Eating Amoeba Threat

Megan Ebenroth, a highly driven 17-year-old from Georgia who dreamed of attending the University of Georgia, tragically died from a rare brain infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba, found in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. Megan's death highlights the seriousness of this infection, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. Public health officials have not disclosed the location where Megan was exposed, but warn that the amoeba can exist in any body of freshwater. Only four people with confirmed cases have survived out of the 157 reported cases in the US since 1962.