What Is Naegleria? Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills 7-Year-Old California Boy

A 7-year-old boy from Tehama County, California, died after being infected with naegleria, a rare brain-eating amoeba.

David Pruitt died on Aug. 7 from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). His aunt, Crystal Hayley, started a website for people to donate to the family to cover funeral costs and other expenses.

Pruitt was hospitalized on July 30, when he was rushed to the emergency room and later transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where he was placed on life support due to severe brain swelling.

It is suspected the boy came in contact with the amoeba while swimming in a local lake. Naegleria is often found in warm freshwater such as rivers, lakes, and hot springs. Naegleria fowleri is the only type of species that can infect people.

Naegleria fowleri causes PAM, which is an infection that destroys brain tissue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fatality rate is over 97% for those who become infected with the single-celled living organism.

People can become infected with the naegleria fowleri when in water if the amoeba enters the body through the nose.

Although naegleria fowleri infections are rare, they are most likely to occur during the summer months of July, August, and September.

Following an encounter from naegleria fowleri, symptoms of PAM can begin around five days after the infection. A person may experience nausea, vomiting, fever, or headache.

Symptoms will eventually worsen and could include loss of balance, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and more. People who believe they may be experiencing symptoms associated with a naegleria fowleri infection after swimming in freshwater are advised to seek medical attention immediately.