South Carolina Reports Childhood Deaths from Amoebas

In South Carolina, health officials have confirmed childhood fatalities linked to “brain-eating amoebas.” Columbia’s Prisma Health Richland Hospital reported one such death on July 22, as stated by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

The patient succumbed to an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba responsible for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe and often deadly brain infection.

According to the DPH, exposure to Naegleria fowleri likely happened at Lake Murray during July, although they noted that this amoeba is naturally present in many warm lakes, rivers, and streams, making it hard to pinpoint exact locations.

“Engaging in activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater areas increases the risk of exposure and subsequent infection,” they cautioned.

Health officials indicated that Naegleria fowleri poses a significant risk when water temperatures exceed 77°F, particularly between July and September. It’s worth noting that human infections are quite rare; this marks the first such case in South Carolina since 2016.

Importantly, Naegleria fowleri is not contagious between people, which mitigates risks to the general public.

Dr. Tammy Lundstrom, an infectious diseases expert, mentioned that the risk of brain-eating amoeba infections is minimal, with fewer than ten cases documented in the U.S. each year. Sadly, most of these infections prove fatal, and only a small number of people survive.

The mortality rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds 97%, according to the CDC. Symptoms of PAM typically arise about five days post-exposure and may begin with headaches, nausea, fever, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, it can lead to confusion, stiff neck, hallucinations, seizures, and even coma.

Understanding how to avoid infection is crucial, especially for those enjoying summer swimming. Officials advised that water should not forcefully enter the nose, whether through diving or jumping.

Guidelines for Reducing Risk

To minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to keep the nose closed or use a nose clip while swimming in freshwater. Visitors to lakes, ponds, or rivers should also be mindful of disturbing sediments.

When someone is diagnosed with a Naegleria fowleri infection, treatment generally includes a range of antifungal medications, including antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin. A newer drug, Myrtefosin, shows promise in clinical settings and has been used effectively on some survivors.

Despite the serious nature of this amoeba, Dr. Lundstrom reiterates that cases remain rare, emphasizing that millions enjoy swimming every summer without incident.