Overview

• An adult Missouri resident has been diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri and is under intensive care for primary amebic meningoencephalitis at an undisclosed hospital.
• Preliminary information suggests the patient water-skied on Lake of the Ozarks days before falling ill, though health officials are still investigating the exact exposure.
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports no other suspected cases in the state and emphasizes that infections remain extremely rare.
• Health agencies recommend holding the nose or using nose clips, keeping the head above water, avoiding sediment disturbance and using sterile water for nasal rinses.
• Researchers warn that climate-driven warming of freshwater and increased organic matter runoff could heighten Naegleria fowleri risk despite the organism’s continued rarity.