A North Carolina man has died from a brain-eating organism called the amoeba that he contracted while swimming at a Hopes Mill water park.
It can cause its victims severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which progress to stiff neck, seizures and coma.
However, it is not infectious when the water when swallowed. The fatality can come when it is in forced up the nose from summer activities such as diving and water-skiing.
From the nose, the CDC says, the organism travels up to the brain where it destroys tissue.
The park is working with local health officials to notify and educate people about the presence of the amoeba.
In areas where the infection is more common, officials recommend holding your nose shut or using a nose clip as well as avoiding digging up sediment in shallow areas.
Though serious and scary, infections of the amoeba are rare, according to the department. Only 145 infections have been identified in the US from 1962 to 2018.
Eddie’s family has asked “for privacy and respect during this difficult time,” said his wife’s attorney, Justin Plummer. Our hearts and prayers go out to them as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Rest in peace, Eddie.
