A Missouri resident is hospitalized with a confirmed Naegleria fowleri amoeba infection, possibly contracted after water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Health officials are investigating, but the infection, while rare, is linked to warm freshwater entering the nose during water activities. The case follows the death of a 12-year-old in South Carolina last month from the same amoeba, prompting his family to warn others about the risk. The CDC recommends nose plugs or keeping the head above water during freshwater activities to minimize risk. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, and altered mental state.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.