Death confirmed from rare and deadly ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in southern lake
A pediatric death from a «brain-eating amoeba» has been reported in South Carolina, according to health officials.
Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia publicly confirmed the death on July 22, according to a statement from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) sent to Fox News Digital.
The patient died after exposure to Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba that causes a life-threatening brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
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«The July 2025 exposure to the organism Naegleria fowleri likely occurred at Lake Murray, but we cannot be completely certain, as this organism occurs naturally and is present in many warm water lakes, rivers and streams,» the South Carolina DPH told Dox News Digital.
«Water activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater areas, such as lakes and rivers, may increase the risk of exposure and infection.»
Naegleria fowleri can be a risk whe..