A child in South Carolina died from primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands confirmed the death. The likely source of exposure was Lake Murray, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, marking the state's first case since 2016. PAM is almost always fatal, with over 97% of cases resulting in death. The infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose. The CDC recommends holding your nose or using a nose clip during water activities to reduce risk.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.