Naegleria fowleri (brain-eating amoeba) Amoeba ínfectíon (Naegleria fowleri): Rare but deądly infection, also known as naegleriasis. Symptoms can include headaçhes, stiff neck, poor coordination and/or other flu-like symptoms.
The N. fowleri recently reported in 39 countries, with the United States, Australia, Pakistán, Indía, México, and the Czech Republic reporting the highest number of cases, possibly due to their warm freshwater bødies and climates conducive to the pathogen's grǒwth and replication.
CDC released a map showing locations across the U.S. where the amoeba had been found through the years. That map showed exposures in 20 states, mostly in the southern U.S.
The majority of cases in the U.S. occur in the southern states, with more than half reported in Texas and Florida.
Although ínfectíon occurring is considered rarity, it almost inevitably results in deäth.
2025 — Middle school student Jaysen Carr in July 18 after swimming in Lake Murray, a large reservoir near Columbia, S.C.
2024 — Adwaith, 13, India (Kerala), after bàthing
2024 — EP Rahul, 14, India (Kerala), after swimming in a local pond in the Kozhikode district
2021 — Bakari Williams, 3, Texas, after exposure to the amoeba at a city splash pad in Arlington.
2020 — Josiah McIntyre, 6, Texas, after being expòșed to the amoeba via a garden hose
2019 — Eddie Gray, 59, North Carolina, after swimming in Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
2018 — A 29-year-old surfer, Fabrizio Stabile, who recently visited a Waco, Texas resort got the ínfectíon.
2015 — Elizabeth Knight, 24, went swimming in Oklahoma and contracted primary amoebic meningoencephalitis by taking in through her nose some water that contained the amoeba
2015 — Hunter Boutain, 14, Minnesota, after swimming in Lake Minnewaska
2015 — Kelsey McClain, 24, fell ıll after swimming in the Colorado River and within one week
2014 — Hally Nicole Yust became ıll after spending time in four different lakes near her Kansas home. Her ïllness progressed quickly.
2014 — Jordan Cole Smelski, 11, Florida, after swimming in unchlorinated hot springs in Costa Rica.
2013 — Drake Smith Jr., 4, Louisiana, after playing on a "slip-n-slide" connected to his home's tap water system.
2011 — Christian Alexander Strickland, 9, Virginia, attending a fishing camp in Henrico County
2011, 16-year-old Astronaut High student Courtney Nash of Mims had the amoebic ínfectíon after swimming in a Florida River
2010 — Kyle Lewis, 7, Texas, after swimming in Lake Granbury and the Paluxy River.
2009 — Anabella Elliott, 19 months, Queensland, was expòșed after bàthing in untreated water on her family’s property.
2007 — Aaron Evans, 14, Arizona, swimming in the shallows of Lake Havasu.
2001 — James Elliott, 5, Queensland, from a sprinkler on his family's homestead
2000 — Justin Strickland, Texas, nine days after a summer vacation swim.
1978 — Kurtis "Kurt" Rogers, 13, Florida, after swimming in a St. Petersburg neighborhood lake
1977 — Simon J. J. Brown, 10, New Zealand (Matamata), swimming in the Opal Hot Springs thermal pool
1969 — James "Jimmy" Moore, 14, Virginia (Richmond), after swimming in a local lake
How to Reduce amoeboid Risk of contractıons:
Use nose clips or earplugs when swimming, diving, or playing in warm, fresh water.
Avoid submerging your heäd in warm, shallow, or stagnant water.
Avoid Stirring Up Sediment: The amoeba thrives in the mud at the bottom of lakes.
Avoid Warm Fresh Water: Avoid swimming in warm, fresh water during late summer.
Use Proper Pools: Properly chlorinated pools and saltwater are safer.