A brain-eating amoeba with a 97 percent fatality rate has made its way to South Carolina, according to multiple reports.
“This organism occurs naturally and is all around us and is present in many warm water lakes, rivers and streams, but infection in humans is very rare,” said Linda Bell, M.D. and state epidemiologist.
If not treated, Naegleria fowleri will kill the host in a short amount of time. Most people contract the amoeba through their nose, particularly when jumping or diving in fresh water lakes and rivers.
According to CBS News, symptoms reflect other common illnesses like as bacterial meningitis. The symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting.
Though scientists consider the infection uncommon, only three people are known to have survived the amoeba.
