This is absolutely terrifying! Beware of stagnant water in the heat!
A rare waterborne parasite known as the “brain-eating amoeba” killed a 9-year-old boy in Virginia earlier this month and most recently, took the life of a 16-year-old girl in Florida this week.
The parasite causes amoebic meningoencephalitis, an infection that attacks the brain and spine, and can be found in stagnant freshwater during hot weather. Symptoms of the scary infection include headaches, vomiting, and neck stiffness.
Although so incredibly rare that some years pass without any incidents, experts suggest using nose clips when swimming in freshwater to reduce the risk of infection.
This definitely makes us think twice about hopping in any lakes for the rest of the summer!