The brain eating amoeba has once again made headlines as a recent case in South Carolina has ended tragically, highlighting the continued risk of this rare but deadly organism. Health authorities confirmed on July 22, 2025, that a pediatric patient at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands died after being exposed to Naegleria fowleri, the microbe commonly referred to as the brain eating amoeba.
What Happened in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the child was likely exposed while swimming in Lake Murray, about 15 miles from Columbia. The case came to light earlier in July, with doctors and officials working quickly to confirm the infection and investigate any potential risk to the public. Despite the shocking nature of the case, specialists emphasized that Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare, even in states with warm freshwater lakes and rivers.
Understanding Naegleria Fowleri
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found most commonly in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The organism thrives during the hottest months, when water temperatures are high and water levels are low. While people come into contact with the amoeba regularly, infection is rare and only occurs if contaminated water enters the nose. Once inside, the amoeba travels to the brain and causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost always fatal.
How Infection Happens
- Contaminated water must enter the nose, usually through swimming or jumping into freshwater.
- Drinking contaminated water does not cause infection.
- In rare cases, infection can occur via nasal irrigation with untreated tap water.
Out of approximately 167 cases reported in the U.S. from 1962 to 2024, only four patients have survived. Most cases are fatal, often within just one to two weeks after exposure.
Recent Trends and Safety Context
The South Carolina incident is the state’s first confirmed brain eating amoeba fatality since 2016 and the only one so far in 2025. Experts reassure the public that, despite high summer temperatures and more people swimming outdoors, the overall risk remains very low. Naegleria fowleri cannot survive in saltwater or properly maintained pools. Common exposure occurs during periods of extreme heat, when water is especially warm and shallow.
There was also a recent case in Texas in June, where a woman contracted the infection by using tap water in a sinus rinse at a campsite. She passed away just eight days after symptoms appeared, prompting renewed warnings to use only distilled or sterilized water for nasal cleansing. These events underscore the need for caution but also reinforce how rare the infection remains.
Table: Brain Eating Amoeba Key Facts
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Reported US cases (1962-2024) | 167 |
| US survivors | 4 |
| Deaths in South Carolina 2025 | 1 (as of July 23) |
| Main risk season | Summer (hot weather) |
| Major exposure routes | Nose (freshwater/swimming) |
Recognizing the Symptoms
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis starts with symptoms that resemble those of other infections:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and seizures
These symptoms can appear one to twelve days after exposure and progress quickly, with most cases leading to coma and death within days.
Preventive Tips for Swimmers
While brain eating amoeba infections are not a reason to avoid freshwater fun, following simple precautions can dramatically reduce risk:
- Avoid swimming in warm, stagnant freshwater during very hot weather.
- If you swim, use nose clips or hold your nose shut, especially when jumping or diving.
- Do not disturb sediment in shallow, warm freshwater.
- For sinus rinses or other nasal cleansing, always use distilled, boiled, or sterilized water.
- Don’t let children submerge their heads in untreated freshwater.
Community Response and Outlook
Authorities stress that there is no ongoing threat to the broader public. The vast majority of people who swim or participate in freshwater recreation never get sick. However, every tragic fatality is a sobering reminder: understanding and sharing accurate information is key to preventing panic and keeping families safe.
Have you swum in warm lakes or rivers this summer? Share your thoughts below or let us know how you stay safe during outdoor water activities. Stay alert, and always take common-sense precautions when enjoying nature.