Overview

• Prisma Health confirms a death from Naegleria fowleri infection after suspected exposure in Lake Murray, marking the state’s first fatal case this year.
• The South Carolina Department of Public Health says Naegleria fowleri infections aren’t mandatory to report or track, limiting data on occurrences.
• Naegleria fowleri, a naturally occurring amoeba in warm freshwater, causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis with a mortality rate above 97%.
• The CDC recommends using sterile or boiled water for nasal irrigation, wearing nose clips and keeping the head above water during freshwater activities.
• Experts warn that hot summer temperatures can boost amoeba growth in lakes and rivers, underscoring the need for preventive measures.