Georgia Resident Dies from Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Linked to Freshwater Swimming

A rare brain-eating amoeba has been linked to the death of a Georgia resident, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, is a single-celled organism that lives in soil and warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. It can cause a rare infection that destroys brain tissue, leading to brain swelling and usually death.

The unidentified victim was likely infected while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond, the health department said in a news release Friday. This is the third death from the amoeba in the United States this year.

The department is urging people to take precautions when swimming in warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. They recommend avoiding swimming in water with a high temperature, low water levels, and a lack of water flow. Additionally, they suggest keeping your head above water, using nose clips, and avoiding stirring up sediment.

Naegleria fowleri is a rare but serious infection, and it is important to take the necessary precautions when swimming in warm, freshwater bodies of water. The health department is urging people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.