A child died this week in Nebraska from an infection linked to a brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri).
Authorities say the child, whose name and age are not known, was infected following swimming in the Elkhorn River near Omaha
It would be the first such death in Nebraska, according to USA Today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it has opened an investigation into this rare infection.
“We cannot imagine the pain of the family of this child. To honor it, we will do everything possible to prevent risks from these microorganisms,” said Dr. Lindsay Huse of the State Department of Health.
This genus of amoebas is found in lakes, ponds, and rivers across the United States, especially in the southern states.
Infections most often occur in late summer when the water is warmer.
According to the CDC, amoebae enter through the nose and travel up to the brain creating amoebic meningoencephalitis.
These extremely rare infections are most often fatal
Between 1962 and 2021, 154 people were infected with these microorganisms. Only four survived.
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