A 71-year-old man in South Carolina has become the latest victim of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands confirmed that the patient died, and authorities believe his exposure likely occurred while swimming in Lake Murray. This is the first reported case of PAM in South Carolina since 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that people can contract the infection by forcing water up their nose during recreational activities in warm freshwater lakes or hot springs, making it essential to take precautions such as wearing a nose clip or holding one’s breath while diving.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/patient-dies-brain-eating-amoeba-south-carolina