A man dies of a rare infection causing hunger of the brain after swimming at North Carolina Lake

A North Carolina man died of swimming in a lake at a local water park after swimming in a local water park.

The 59-year-old man fell ill after visiting Fantasy Lake Water Park, an artificial lake in Cumberland County, on July 12, according to the New York Times.

The man has been tested positive for Naegleria fowleri, a unicellular organism naturally occurring in freshwaters, such as lakes and rivers, said the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHH) in a statement. In the United States, most infections occur in the southern states of the country, especially during the summer months after a prolonged heat period, which increases the temperature of the water, said the NCDHH. [5 Key Facts About Brain-Eating Amoeba]

swallowing Naegleria fowleri in the water will not cause infection. But if the water containing this amoeba rises into the nose, the body can enter the brain and be fatal – the amoeba destroys the brain tissue, resulting in swelling of the brain and usually death , according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Yet, infections are extremely rare. From 1962 to 2018, there were only 145 cases of Naegleria fowleri reported in the United States, according to NCDHH. But the disease has a high mortality rate – of the 145 cases, only 4 people survived.

"Our sympathies go to the family and loved ones," said epidemiologist Zack Moore in his statement. "People need to know that this organism is present in the lakes, rivers and hot springs of North Carolina, so be sure to swim or practice water sports."

There is no quick test for Naegleria fowleri in water – the identification of the body can take weeks, according to the CDC. This means that people who swim in fresh and warm waters must badume that the risk of infection is low, says the CDC.

If you choose to swim in warm, warm water, you can prevent the water from getting on your nose by keeping your nose closed, by using forceps or by keeping your head out of the water, explains the CDC. People can also reduce their risk by avoiding swimming in warm, warm water during periods of high temperatures and low water levels, the NCDHH said.

In 2016, an 18-year-old woman from Ohio died as a result of Naegleria fowleri after whitewater rafting at an outdoor recreation center in North Carolina.

Originally published on Science live.