Health officials in South Carolina have confirmed a rare case of brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which is nearly always fatal. The infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), occurs when the amoeba enters the brain through the nose and causes inflammation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only a few reported cases of PAM in the US each year, with fewer than 10 people affected annually. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and hallucinations. If left untreated, PAM progresses rapidly, killing most people within one to 18 days.
To protect yourself from the amoeba, which thrives in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, follow these tips:
* Hold your nose or wear a nose clip when swimming or diving in fresh water
* Keep your head above water in hot springs
* Avoid digging in shallow water where the amoeba is more likely to be present
* Use distilled or boiled tap water for rinsing your sinuses or cleansing your nasal passages
It’s essential to note that drinking water containing the amoeba will not transmit PAM, nor can it be passed from person to person.
Source: https://www.wbtv.com/2025/07/22/infection-caused-by-brain-eating-amoeba-confirmed-south-carolina