South Carolina Boy Dies from Brain-Eating Amoeba After Lake Swim
A 12-year-old boy tragically died from a brain-eating amoeba two weeks after swimming in a South Carolina lake, marking the state's first known case since 2016.
Overview
- A 12-year-old boy in South Carolina tragically died from a Naegleria fowleri infection, commonly known as a brain-eating amoeba, two weeks after swimming in a local lake.
- This incident marks the first reported case of a brain-eating amoeba infection in South Carolina since 2016, highlighting the rare but severe risk associated with the organism.
- Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater environments, particularly in temperatures over 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and is often found in lakes and rivers across the southern U.S.
- Infections are extremely rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported annually in the U.S., but they are almost universally fatal, with only four survivors out of 167 cases between 1962 and 2024.
- Initial symptoms typically include headache and nausea, and the amoeba can also be present in hot springs, rivers, and occasionally even in tap water.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by focusing on factual information about the rare amoeba and its effects, alongside details of the tragic incident. They provide a balanced overview of the scientific aspects and public health information, avoiding sensationalism or loaded language in their descriptions.
"The family is still in shock about what happened and wants to raise public awareness to prevent similar tragedies."
CBS News"The brain-eating amoeba enters the body when water is forced up the nose, like when someone jumps or dives in the water."
ABC News"The brain-eating amoeba enters the body when water is forced up the nose, like when someone jumps or dives in the water."
Associated PressArticles (3)
FAQ
Naegleria fowleri is a brain-eating amoeba, a single-celled organism that commonly lives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained or unchlorinated pools. It thrives especially in water temperatures between 80 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit and cannot survive in salt or brackish water.
Infection occurs when contaminated warm freshwater containing Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming, diving, or participating in water activities. The amoeba then travels to the brain, causing a severe and often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported annually in the U.S. and a total of 167 cases over the past 62 years. The infection is almost universally fatal, with only four recorded survivors out of those 167 cases.
The recent fatal case was confirmed during the week of July 7, 2025. The 12-year-old boy was exposed to Naegleria fowleri during swimming at Lake Murray in South Carolina, marking the state's first reported case since 2016.
Initial symptoms of a Naegleria fowleri infection typically include headache and nausea, which can quickly progress to severe neurological symptoms due to brain infection.
History
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