
Brain-eating amoeba case found in South Carolina: What is it and how to prevent infections
Though infections are ultra-rare (around 8 U.S. cases per year), nearly all end in tragedy. South Carolina itself has seen just a handful of cases since 2010. Still, this one's a sharp reminder: even a peaceful dip can come with insane risks.
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba chilling in warm freshwater—think lakes, rivers, ponds, hot springs—and even in soil or untreated pools. It's not living in the ocean, though, so your beach day is safe from this creep.
It thrives when water temps hit summertime highs—70s to 115°F. Warmer water, low water levels, even climate change pushing temperatures north mean it's spreading and turning up where it didn't before.
If contaminated water shoots up your nose, the amoeba can hitch a ride along your olfactory nerve straight into your brain. That's when it causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) basically your brain gets eaten from the inside.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
15 most beautiful women in the world
Topgentlemen.com
Undo
Once symptoms kick in headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, confusion it's a lightning-fast nightmare.
So yeah, it's insanely rare—but also insanely dangerous. The risk depends on where you swim, time of year, and whether water is untreated. Hot summer months in the South? That's when the amoeba is most active. But with the warming climate, it's creeping into northern lakes too.
The scary part? Drinking water isn't a threat—it's all about water sneaking up your nose.
Worried? Don't be—but be smart. Avoid swimming in warm, untreated water during summer, especially when it's hot and water levels are low. If you do swim in lakes or rivers, keep water out of your nose—nose clips work wonders. Don't dive or jump head-first or stir up mud bottom. And never use tap water for nasal rinses—boil or filter it first. Pools? Stick to well‑chlorinated ones.
This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or local health authorities if you believe you've been exposed to Naegleria fowleri or experience symptoms after freshwater exposure. While precautions can reduce risk, no activity is completely risk-free. Stay cautious and make informed decisions.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why Japanese food is healthier? Because their base is water, not oil: 5 other facts that make Japanese one of the healthiest cuisines
Most cuisines kick off with oil in a hot pan. Japanese cooking usually begins with water — or a light broth made from kombu (seaweed), mushrooms, or dried fish. This single shift changes everything. Instead of frying, the food is simmered, steamed, or poached. It keeps flavours clean and meals easier to digest. That's one big reason why Japanese food feels light, yet somehow satisfying. But the health benefits aren't just about skipping oil. Japanese food takes a balanced approach, where nothing is overdone. It isn't obsessed with being 'low carb' or 'sugar-free.' It just leans on smart choices, clean techniques, and tradition that has lasted because it works. Here's what else makes this one of the world's most quietly effective ways of eating: Meals are built on variety, not volume A typical Japanese meal isn't about one big main dish. It's a mix of small, simple things — some rice, a few cooked vegetables, a little grilled fish, miso soup, maybe some pickles or tofu. Nothing is heavy on its own, but together it adds up to a balanced, filling meal. You get what your body needs without feeling weighed down. It's enough, but never too much. Fermented foods are part of the everyday table Miso, soy sauce, pickles, natto — these fermented foods are just normal things people eat in Japan every day. They help with digestion, keep your stomach happy, and make it easier for your body to absorb and use the nutrients from food. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Private Jet - The Prices May Surprise You! Private Jet I Search Ads Learn More Undo Instead of taking probiotics through supplements, the average Japanese meal delivers them naturally, through flavour-rich foods that have been around for centuries. Fish takes the lead over meat Japan has always leaned more towards seafood than red meat. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel show up a lot in Japanese meals. They've got good fats (omega-3s) that help your heart and brain. The way they're cooked is super simple — usually just grilled, eaten raw, or lightly simmered. No heavy sauces, no extra oil, just clean, tasty fish. And they don't overdo it with huge portions either, which keeps the meal light and balanced. Vegetables are central, not a side note Japanese meals tend to include several types of vegetables, served in different ways — raw, steamed, simmered, pickled. Seaweed is also common and adds minerals you won't find in land-based greens. These aren't coated in cream or fried in batter. They're served in ways that preserve texture and nutrition. Vegetables aren't added in to 'be healthy.' They're just part of the meal, always have been. Meals are paced, not rushed Food is eaten slowly, with intention. It's served in separate bowls, eaten with chopsticks, and rarely gulped down. This naturally slows things down. You chew more, taste more, and give your body time to signal when it's full. There's no pressure to clear a huge plate. That slower way of eating really helps — not just with digestion, but with how you actually feel about the food you're eating. Japanese cuisine doesn't need to label itself as healthy. It simply is — because of the way it's cooked, the ingredients it uses, and the habits around how it's eaten. Meals built on water instead of oil, variety instead of overload, and care instead of shortcuts — that's what makes it work.


Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Astronomers reveal a chilling countdown to the end of the universe
For decades, scientists believed the universe would expand forever, driven endlessly outward by a mysterious force known as dark energy. But a new study has upended that view with a provocative idea: the cosmos may one day stop expanding and instead collapse in on itself in a cataclysmic event called the 'Big Crunch.' According to the research, which is currently in preprint and awaiting peer review, this reversal could happen in about 20 billion years. Based on new models and fresh astronomical data, scientists are rethinking the fate of everything we know. The universe may not expand forever The traditional model of the universe's fate was built on the assumption that dark energy is constant and positive, a force pushing galaxies apart faster over time. But researchers analysing data from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) found evidence that dark energy might not be constant after all. Instead, it could vary over time, as proposed by a new theoretical framework called the axion-dark energy (aDE) model. One of the most striking findings in the new study is the possibility that the cosmological constant — which reflects the energy density of space itself — may be negative. If true, this would mean that gravity could eventually overpower expansion. Over time, this shift would cause the universe's growth to slow, stop, and then reverse into a contraction phase. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wonorejo: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo What is the Big Crunch If contraction occurs, all matter and energy could eventually be compressed into a single, dense point — an event known as the Big Crunch . This would be the reverse of the Big Bang . According to the aDE model, the total lifespan of the universe would be about 33.3 billion years, and we are already 13.8 billion years into that span. That leaves approximately 20 billion years before the predicted collapse. Not a final verdict yet Although the findings are significant, scientists caution that this new model is not confirmed. It is based on observational trends and evolving theoretical physics. Further investigation using next-generation telescopes and deeper space surveys will be needed to determine whether dark energy truly changes over time and whether a cosmic collapse is on the horizon. Is the end really the end Even if the Big Crunch occurs, it might not mark the permanent end of everything. Some theories propose that a collapsing universe could eventually lead to a rebirth — a new Big Bang triggering a fresh universe cycle. While these ideas remain speculative, the study has opened a bold new chapter in understanding how — and when — our universe might end.


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why your wire-bristle grill brush is risky for your health and what safer alternatives you should use
Grilling season is here, bringing the joy of delicious, smoky meals. However, many don't realise that the common tool used to clean grills, a wire-bristle brush, can pose a serious health risk. These brushes often shed tiny metal bristles that can stick to grill grates and unknowingly end up in your food. When swallowed, these sharp bristles can cause painful injuries to the throat, stomach, and intestines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that such incidents have led to hospitalisations and even fatalities. Being aware of this danger is key to safer grilling. How wire bristles from grill brushes can cause serious health injuries Wire-bristle brushes are designed to remove food particles and grease from grill grates. However, over time, the bristles can loosen and detach. These tiny metal fragments are nearly invisible and can easily be ingested if they remain on the grill. Once consumed, they can puncture the digestive tract, leading to infections, surgeries, and in extreme cases, death. Medical professionals have reported multiple cases where patients required emergency surgery after ingesting wire bristles from grills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like DNA Discovery Reveals Truth About Native Americans Daily Sport X Undo In one alarming instance, a piece of wire bristle was found lodged in a patient's throat, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Other safer alternatives for grill cleaning To ensure your grilling experience remains safe, consider these bristle-free cleaning methods: 1. Use a bristle-free grill brush Opt for brushes that use materials like stainless steel coils or nylon bristles. These alternatives are less likely to shed and can effectively clean your grill grates. Products like the Kona Safe Grill Brush and the Grill Floss are popular choices among grilling enthusiasts. 2. Steam cleaning Preheat your grill and place a heat-resistant container filled with water on the grates. Close the lid and let the steam loosen grease and food particles. After about 15 minutes, use a scraper to remove the residue. This method is chemical-free and effective. 3. Use natural cleaning agents Lemon juice and baking soda are excellent natural cleaners. Lemon's acidity helps break down grease, while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive. Combine them to form a paste, apply to the grates, let sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. 4. Pumice stone A pumice stone can be used to scrub away stubborn grime on grill grates. It's a safe, bristle-free option that won't leave behind harmful residues. Ensure the stone is specifically designed for grill cleaning to avoid damage. 5. Using onions Cut an onion in half and, using tongs, rub the cut side over the hot grates. The natural compounds in the onion help loosen food particles and leave a pleasant aroma. This method is especially useful for quick clean-ups. Additional tips for safe grill maintenance Regularly inspect your grill brush: Even bristle-free brushes can wear out over time. Replace them if they show signs of damage. Clean after each use: Prevent build-up by cleaning your grill grates after every use. This makes each cleaning session easier and more effective. Avoid harsh chemicals: Steer clear of oven cleaners and bleach, as they can corrode metal surfaces and leave toxic residues. Instead, use mild dish soap and warm water. Proper storage: Cover your grill when not in use to protect it from the elements. Ensure it's completely cool before covering to prevent rust. Also read | 10 best small plants for your office desk