Texas, Florida Lead 180 U.S. Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases as 2 Infections Surface This Summer
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 18
Texas, Florida Lead 180 U.S. Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases as 2 Infections Surface This Summer
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Sep 18
Summary
CDC data show 180 U.S. Naegleria fowleri infections with known exposure sites from 1937 to 2025, with Texas and Florida leading reported case counts as two new cases emerged this summer.
The amoeba lives in warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers and infects people when contaminated water enters the nose, usually during swimming or diving.
Fewer than 10 Americans are infected in a typical year, but primary amebic meningoencephalitis progresses rapidly and is usually fatal, keeping attention high after a Louisiana child died and a North Carolina teenager became severely ill.
The CDC says warmer states report the most cases, though infections have also appeared in northern states, and advises nose clips, avoiding stirring shallow water and keeping heads above water in hot springs.