A South Carolina child died from a Naegleria fowleri infection, commonly known as a brain-eating amoeba, after swimming in Lake Murray. The infection, which is rare but often fatal, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). While the lake remains open, health officials confirmed the case on July 7th and emphasize that the risk remains low. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, and the infection progresses rapidly, causing severe brain damage. Only a handful of people in the US have survived this infection.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.