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Fox News
16 hours ago
- Health
- Fox News
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). FOUR PEOPLE DEAD IN FLORIDA FROM FLESH-EATING BACTERIA FOUND IN COASTAL WATERS "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 when swimming in fresh water. The amoeba is most active in the months that the water temperature stays above 77F – July, August and September, the health official said. Infection in humans is very rare, as this is the first case of Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016. There is no increased risk to the public, as Naegleria fowleri is not transmissible person to person, according to the statement. DANGEROUS FUNGUS COULD SPREAD TO PARTS OF US, RESEARCHERS CLAIM "Historically, one infection does not increase the chances that another will occur in the same body of water." Fox News Digital previously spoke with Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, about the risks of infection. "The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low," she said. "Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately, most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases." The death rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds 97%, per the CDC. Warning signs to recognize The initial symptoms of PAM usually begin about five days after exposure, but they can be noticed sooner. Early signs usually include headache , nausea, fever and/or vomiting, the CDC's website states. As the infection progresses, people may experience confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after water exposure," Lundstrom said. "Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis ." Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, at an average of five days. Prevention of infection To prevent potentially fatal infections, South Carolina health officials said it's important to know how and when exposure could be dangerous. "How exposure occurs is when water forcefully enters the nose," the officials told Fox News Digital. "To reduce the risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri, hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water, and avoid jumping or diving into fresh water." Lundstrom reiterated that it's best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer. "Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person's nose, usually during swimming," she previously told Fox News Digital. "It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Drinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added. Because the amoeba is found in soil, the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers. Treatment of brain-eating amoebas When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba, treatment usually includes a variety of antifungal medications , as well as antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom. Miltefosine, a newer antifungal drug, has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat some surviving patients, the CDC states on its website. "However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate," Lundstrom noted. Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — especially if they have recently been swimming in warm freshwater — should seek immediate medical attention , the CDC recommends. For more Health articles, visit Despite the infection's high fatality rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases. "Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected," she said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in MA, CDC says. What to know about 'Nimbus' strain.
COVID-19 numbers are rising in Massachusetts, and in states across the country. "COVID-19 laboratory percent positivity is increasing nationally," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. "Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among young children 0-4 years old," though the CDC noted that emergency room visits are "low" overall. The latest COVID-19 strain is known as "Nimbus." Here's what to know. Are COVID-19 numbers increasing in Massachusetts? The CDC website has evaluated the issue in each state and determined cases in Massachusetts are likely rising. In Massachusetts, there is an 85.8% chance that COVID-19 numbers are increasing, according to the CDC. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reported that as of June 28, there were 377 confirmed cases of COVID and 77 unconfirmed cases. No COVID-19 deaths were reported at the time. The data stops in June because the Massachusetts DPH "ended data collection for the 2024-2025 viral respiratory season on June 28, 2025, and routine updates to their dashboard for the 2025-2026 season will resume later this summer." What is the current COVID-19 strain 'Nimbus?' As of early June, the new strain known as NB.1.8.1, or "Nimbus," made up 37% of COVID-19 cases nationwide. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January 2025 but accounted for about 0% of cases in the United States until May. The World Health Organization added at the time that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Virologists describe Nimbus as a 'slightly upgraded' version of its predecessor. While there is no evidence it causes more severe disease, it appears to be highly transmissible. What are the symptoms of Nimbus? Reported symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to other COVID-19 strains, but one distinctive complaint is a severe sore throat, sometimes described as 'razor-blade throat fatigue.' Other symptoms may include: Mild cough Fever Muscle aches Nasal congestion Are vaccines still effective? Health experts say that updated COVID-19 vaccines remain the best protection against severe illness. Vaccination rates vary widely by state, and health officials continue to urge eligible individuals to stay current with their shots. How can people get tested? People can either take an at-home test or they can see their respective doctors. (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) This article originally appeared on COVID cases on rise in MA, CDC says. What to know about latest strain Solve the daily Crossword
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
External quality assurance laboratory set up to ensure quality of tests at govt facilities
To ensure the quality of tests conducted at government laboratories across Tamil Nadu, an external quality assurance laboratory has been established at the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine. Set up at a cost of ₹1.13 crore, the laboratory will ensure the quality of tests conducted in 2,177 Primary Health Centres (PHC), 300 government hospitals and 36 medical college hospitals across the State without any cost to the participating government labs. Pilot launch As a pilot project, the DPH-EQAS (External Quality Assurance Scheme) programme is being rolled out at 116 PHC laboratories in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts. According to an official release, laboratory services are essential for the diagnosis of diseases, surveillance and to initiate preventive and control measures. Currently, the Integrated Essential Laboratory Services (IELS) being implemented has further strengthened the scope and services in the State. Under IELS, samples are being referred from spoke labs to hub labs for various investigations. So, patients need not travel unnecessarily, and it reduces the out of pocket expenditure as well. So far, laboratories under DPH and other health institutions were sending samples for external quality checks to Christian Medical College, Vellore for an annual expenditure of ₹52 crore. Based on the participation of EQAS programme and other parameters, 1,622 PHC labs in Tamil Nadu are NABL certified under MELT programme. From now on, the SPHL can conduct the quality EQAS laboratories are not available in other government or their allied institutions. Hence, it was decided to establish the DPH-EQAS lab at SPHL. The National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu sanctioned ₹90 lakh for the procurement of laboratory Minister Ma. Subramanian inaugurated the DPH-EQAS lab and launched the pilot programme in the two districts. He also launched a mobile app developed for the project to upload laboratory results. After the successful implementation of the pilot project in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts, ISO 17043 will be obtained from NABL and from January 2026 onwards, all government laboratories in T.N. will be participating in the DPH-EQAS Program, the release said.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
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). "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 when swimming in fresh water. The amoeba is most active in the months that the water temperature stays above 77F – July, August and September, the health official said. Infection in humans is very rare, as this is the first case of Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016. There is no increased risk to the public, as Naegleria fowleri is not transmissible person to person, according to the statement. "Historically, one infection does not increase the chances that another will occur in the same body of water." Fox News Digital previously spoke with Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, about the risks of infection. "The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low," she said. "Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately, most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases." The death rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds 97%, per the CDC. The initial symptoms of PAM usually begin about five days after exposure, but they can be noticed sooner. Early signs usually include headache, nausea, fever and/or vomiting, the CDC's website states. As the infection progresses, people may experience confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma. "People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after water exposure," Lundstrom said. "Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis." Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, at an average of five days. To prevent potentially fatal infections, South Carolina health officials said it's important to know how and when exposure could be dangerous. "How exposure occurs is when water forcefully enters the nose," the officials told Fox News Digital. "To reduce the risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri, hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water, and avoid jumping or diving into fresh water." Lundstrom reiterated that it's best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer. "Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person's nose, usually during swimming," she previously told Fox News Digital. "It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not." Drinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added. Because the amoeba is found in soil, the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers. When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba, treatment usually includes a variety of antifungal medications, as well as antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom. Miltefosine, a newer antifungal drug, has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat some surviving patients, the CDC states on its website. "However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate," Lundstrom noted. Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — especially if they have recently been swimming in warm freshwater — should seek immediate medical attention, the CDC recommends. For more Health articles, visit Despite the infection's high fatality rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases. "Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected," she said.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boy, 12, dies from brain-eating amoeba after going for a swim in popular lake
Jaysen Carr, 12, sadly died after being struck down by a deadly bacterial infection whilst visiting Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina which is popular for swimming, fishing and sailing A young boy has tragically died after he contracted a brain-eating infection whilst he went swimming at a popular lake. Jaysen Carr, 12, was struck by Naegleria fowleri after taking a dip in Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina, US. The bacteria is often referred to as a brain-eating amoeba because it causes a brain infection that is usually fatal. The schoolboy had no idea about the potential danger, as there had been no advisories about any bacteria in the lake. The swimming spot, which was once the largest man-made reservoir in the world, is visited by tens of thousands of people each year. Sadly, after enjoying his time at the lake, Kaysen was diagnosed with the infection on July 7. His family issued a heartbreaking statement on Thursday, via their attorney, Tyler Bailey. He told WIS News 10: "Jaysen's family is grieving this unthinkable loss, but they are also grateful at the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community. The family has many questions about how and why Jaysen died and wants to do everything in their power to ensure this doesn't happen to another family." He added: "Jaysen's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Prisma Health Children's Hospital - Midlands for their dedicated care and compassion for him and their entire family. We ask for privacy at this time as the family prepares to lay their son to rest." In a fundraiser, his loved ones said: "His kind heart and bright spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Jaysen bravely faced a tough medical battle, and while his strength inspired so many, the journey has left the Carr family with numerous unexpected expenses. As they navigate this heartbreaking loss, we want to come together to help ease their burden." South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) addressed the tragedy and said he was likely exposed to the bacteria at Lake Murray, reports Mail Online. It has been reported that 164 people in the US contracted the infection between 1962 and 2023. Official records state that only four survived. Symptoms Headache Vomiting Cognitive issues Muscle ache such as a stiff neck Severe swelling
