A Georgia resident has died of Naegleria fowleri after likely becoming infected while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. Naegleria fowleri is commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba" because it destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and usually death.
On rare occasions, it can cause a lethal form of meningitis. Prior to this case, there have only been five other cases since 1962. Most infections have come from swimming in freshwater bodies, such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs. Very rarely, infections occurred in pools or water parks with insufficient chlorine levels.
