INTERVIEW: USC expert explains brain-eating amoeba found in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - WIS sat down with an expert to learn more about a brain-eating amoeba that was recently discovered in South Carolina.

Dr. Melissa Nolan with the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health sat down on Tuesday with WIS News 10 Reporter Deric Rush to explain Naegleria fowleri and what to know about infections.

You can watch the full interview in the video above this story.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health confirmed to WIS on Monday that a case of Naegleria fowleri was confirmed the week of July 7. The agency sent the following statement:

“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. 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. Testing of the water for this specific amoeba is not mandatory in South Carolina and 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 was 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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