A recent incident in the Midlands has resulted in the tragic death of a patient due to a brain-eating amoeba. The individual, who was treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, succumbed to an infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, as confirmed by Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch, a pediatric infectious disease physician at the facility.
In response to the case, Prisma Health consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure appropriate measures were taken. The South Carolina Department of Public Health was made aware of the situation during the week of July 7. However, it is important to note that infections from the Naegleria fowleri amoeba are not mandated to be reported to health authorities, as stated by the department.
The public health agency clarified that it does not track infections from this amoeba and cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy regulations at both federal and state levels. Consequently, details regarding the specific body of water from which the infection originated were not disclosed.
According to Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler, he was also unable to specify the location of the infection. The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers as well as in soil. Despite its prevalence, infections are exceedingly rare.
Symptoms of an infection typically manifest within a week and may include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck. As the illness progresses, more severe symptoms such as confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations may occur. Alarmingly, the infection has a fatality rate of approximately 95%, with death usually occurring between one and twelve days post-infection.
From 2010 to 2022, South Carolina reported only three cases of Naegleria fowleri infections, while the United States saw a total of 40 cases during the same period. This highlights the rarity of such infections, which often necessitate specific conditions for the amoeba to take hold.
To minimize the risk of infection, the South Carolina public health department recommends avoiding water activities during high temperatures and low water levels. It is also advisable to hold one’s nose shut while jumping into water and to refrain from disturbing sediment in warm freshwater bodies.
Dr. Burch emphasized that the amoeba resides in the sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers. Disturbing this sediment can suspend the amoeba in the water, increasing the risk of infection. “We recommend that you just leave the bottom of the lakes, rivers, ponds alone and don’t mess with the soil that’s on the bottom,” she advised.
Importantly, the Naegleria fowleri amoeba does not spread through drinking water. However, using tap water in nasal irrigation systems, such as Neti Pots, can lead to infections. Dr. Burch suggests using sterile or distilled water for these systems. Alternatively, individuals can boil tap water and allow it to cool before use.
For concerned parents and community members, Dr. Burch reassured that infections are incredibly rare, often requiring specific conditions for transmission. “We shouldn’t be afraid to be in lakes and rivers,” she stated. “It’s a big part of what South Carolinians do. I just think you need to be safe when you go into those bodies of water.”
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The original report was published on July 22, 2025, at 2:57 PM.
