Most people who come into contact with Naegleria fowleri never get sick. The amoeba can only infect a person when contaminated water goes up the nose, often during swimming or diving. It then travels to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue.

A child in South Carolina has died after being infected with Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as brain-eating amoeba. State health officials confirm exposure likely came from Lake Murray the week of July 7.