A recent case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, has raised concerns among local residents and health experts. The scientific name for the amoeba is rare, but it causes devastating and extremely rare outcomes in humans.
According to Dr. Stephen Thacker, an infectious disease specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, the risk of contracting the infection is low, but it’s essential to know the risks and take preventive measures. The amoeba thrives in freshwater and warm water temperatures, making summer months a higher-risk period for contraction.
While drinking contaminated water or being exposed to it through contact with the nose and mouth are generally not high-risk activities, forcing water into the nasal passages or mouth can lead to infection. Dr. Thacker advises people to use nose clips when engaging in recreational activities like jumping or diving in freshwater bodies.
The loss of a loved one to this rare disease is devastating, as seen by Dunn Hollingsworth, whose daughter Liza passed away from the infection 15 years ago. Despite the low risk, Hollingsworth emphasizes the importance of being aware and taking precautions when swimming in lakes and rivers during warm weather months.
With his experience, Hollingsworth advises people to be mindful of the risks and take simple precautions like wearing nose clips or keeping their heads above water. He also invites those affected by this rare disease to join a nationwide support group that tackles grief together.
Source: https://www.live5news.com/2025/07/23/local-expert-father-victim-weigh-rare-amoeba-disease-risk