Patient dies from brain-eating amoeba in South Carolina

The recent death from Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina highlights ongoing risks.

Death from brain-eating amoeba raises public health concerns in South Carolina

A patient has died at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands from a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. This organism leads to primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which has a fatality rate exceeding 97% in the U.S., according to Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch. The patient likely contracted the infection at Lake Murray, marking the first known case of its kind in South Carolina since 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises precautions such as holding the nose while diving to prevent infection. This incident follows another recent death in Texas associated with the same amoeba, further emphasizing the deadly potential of this organism and the need for public awareness.

The death associated with Naegleria fowleri underscores a critical public health challenge in freshwater recreational areas. With a history of high fatality rates, the need for increased awareness and preventive measures is paramount. Health officials are prompted to focus on educating the public about the risks tied to recreational water activities. As evidenced by similar cases, such as the recent death in Texas, more needs to be done to prevent infections and safeguard the community during peak usage of lakes and rivers. This also raises questions about water safety regulations and public health responses to emerging health threats.

Highlights

Increased public health initiatives are needed to combat these infections.