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
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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.
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