Fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism that lives in soil and warm fresh water, such as lakes, rivers and hot springs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PAM, caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, is a rare but devastating infection with a fatality rate of 97%.

It is also possible to contract Naegleria fowleri in swimming pools that are not properly chlorinated, or contaminated neti pots.

According to the North Carolina Health Department, Naegleria fowleri “does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if forced up the nose, as can occur during diving, water-skiing or other water activities”.

In 2010 and again in 2012, children waded into a Stillwater lake infested with a parasite called Naegleria fowleri.

Local health officials are working with the water park to provide guidance and education about the presence of Naegleria fowleri as well as the precautionary measures to take when in natural bodies of freshwater.