Hailey
Health officials in Missouri have confirmed that a local resident is in the hospital after being diagnosed with a rare and deadly “brain-eating infection”. The case is suspected to be linked to water skiing in the Lake of the Ozarks, a popular freshwater lake in central Missouri.
Officials say the infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism that can attack the brain. Though very rare, this infection is almost always fatal, raising public concern about water safety during summer activities.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled ameba (a free-living organism) found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.
This organism enters the body through the nose when people swim, dive, or participate in water sports. Once inside, it travels up the nasal passages into the brain, where it causes a condition called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Health experts explain that while Naegleria fowleri exists naturally in many lakes and rivers across the United States, infections remain extremely rare. Still, the risk becomes higher during summer months when water temperatures rise.
How Rare Is This Infection?
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, only 167 cases of PAM have been reported in the United States between 1962 and 2024. Most of these infections were fatal.
Recent Cases in the U.S.
- In South Carolina (2024), a 12-year-old boy named Jaysen Carr died after contracting PAM from Lake Murray.
- In Texas and Florida, similar cases have been recorded in past years, usually linked to swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes.
This shows that although the infection is rare, when it happens, the survival chances are very low.
Symptoms of the Brain-Eating Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that symptoms of PAM usually appear within 1 to 12 days after exposure.
Early Symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Later Symptoms:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Loss of balance
- Coma
Most patients die within 5 to 18 days after the first symptoms. Because the symptoms look similar to bacterial meningitis, PAM is often diagnosed too late.
Safety Measures Suggested by Health Officials
The Missouri Health Department and the CDC recommend the following safety tips for people enjoying lakes and rivers:
- Avoid swimming or diving in warm freshwater when water levels are low and temperatures are high.
- Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when going underwater.
- Avoid putting your head under water.
- Do not dig or stir up sediment at the bottom of lakes or rivers, since the ameba lives in soil and mud.
Where Did the Missouri Case Happen?
Preliminary investigations show the patient was likely exposed while water skiing in the Lake of the Ozarks. This is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in Missouri, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The news has sparked concern among locals and tourists, although officials stress that the infection is still extremely rare.
Missouri Case vs. National Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Infection Name | Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) |
| Causing Organism | Naegleria fowleri (Brain-eating ameba) |
| Mode of Entry | Through the nose while swimming/diving |
| U.S. Reported Cases (1962–2024) | 167 |
| Fatality Rate | Over 97% |
| Recent Case in Missouri (2025) | Resident hospitalized after water skiing in Lake of the Ozarks |
| Recent Case in South Carolina (2024) | 12-year-old boy died after swimming in Lake Murray |
| Prevention Methods | Avoid underwater activities, use nose clips, avoid stirring sediment |
Why This Case Matters
Even though only a handful of PAM cases are reported each year in the U.S., the infection is almost always deadly. For families who love summer activities such as water skiing, swimming, and diving, awareness is the first step to prevention.
This Missouri case highlights the importance of public health warnings and the need for people to take basic safety precautions when enjoying warm freshwater lakes.
The Missouri brain-eating infection case is a reminder that while summer water sports are fun, they also come with certain risks. The infection caused by Naegleria fowleri remains very rare, but its fatality rate is extremely high.
By following safety measures like using nose clips, avoiding underwater activities in warm lakes, and not stirring up sediments, people can reduce their chances of exposure.
Health officials continue to emphasize that millions of people swim in U.S. lakes every year without getting sick, but being informed can save lives.