A Georgia resident has died from a rare “brain-eating amoeba,” the state’s health department confirmed last Wednesday.
The resident likely became infected while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond in Georgia, the health department said.
“Naegleria fowleri” is a rare infection that destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and usually death. The amoeba lives in soil and warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs. It is not found in salt water and is not found in properly treated drinking water and swimming pools.