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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) confirmed to WIS Monday evening that there is a case of a brain-eating amoeba in the state.
DPH said in a statement that the case was confirmed the week of July 7 but also said that the amoeba in question, Naegleria fowleri, is very common in freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds.
“The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) was made aware of one case of Naegleria fowleri in our state the week of July 7. Naegleria fowleri is not required to be reported to DPH. The agency does not track infections from the amoeba and does not provide information about or comment on individual cases, including the person’s condition,” DPH said. “Recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in warm freshwater; however, the risk of infection is very low. There are less than 10 cases annually in the United States. While rare, Naegleria fowleri is nearly always fatal.
DPH would not confirm the exact location where the case occurred. Per state law, testing of the water for this specific amoeba is not mandatory, and South Carolina agencies are not required to issue an announcement when a case like this occurs.
WIS reached out to the CDC and environmental services as well for specific details but were unable to obtain confirmation of the location and any additional details.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WIS for the latest details.
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