A 12-year-old boy from Arkansas has tragically died after contracting a rare and deadly brain-eating amoeba while swimming in a hot spring, health officials have confirmed.
The boy, whose identity has not been released, was exposed to Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism that thrives in warm freshwater. The infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is almost always fatal.
How the Infection Occurs
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically when contaminated water is forced into the nasal passages during activities like swimming or diving. From there, it travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.
Symptoms of PAM include:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Extremely Rare but Deadly
While infections are rare—only about three cases are reported in the U.S. each year—the fatality rate is over 97%. Early diagnosis is critical, but even with aggressive treatment, survival is uncommon.
Health officials are urging caution when swimming in warm freshwater, particularly in hot springs or poorly maintained pools. Precautions include:
- Avoiding diving or jumping into warm freshwater
- Using nose clips when swimming
- Stirring up sediment at the bottom of lakes or ponds (where the amoeba may reside)
A Heartbreaking Loss
The boy’s family described him as a vibrant and adventurous child who loved the outdoors. His death has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting calls for greater awareness of the risks posed by Naegleria fowleri.
Authorities are now working to determine the exact location where the boy was infected to prevent further cases.
