A Tragic Tale from Texas

On May 29, 2025, a 71-year-old woman in Texas tragically lost her life after contracting the terrifying brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. Her exposure occurred when she rinsed her sinuses with tap water while camping near Austin. Just four days later, she fell ill, suffering from seizures and ultimately passing away eight days after her symptoms began, despite aggressive medical intervention.

What is Naegleria fowleri?

Commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments like lakes and hot springs. Though incredibly rare, it is highly lethal. In fact, nearly 97% of the few who contract the amoeba in the U.S. do not survive, with an average of just three cases reported annually.

Understanding the Disease: Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

The illness caused by this deadly amoeba is called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Victims often experience severe headaches, fever, nausea, and a tragic loss of smell, resembling symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Rapid neurological decline may lead to confusion, hallucinations, and coma, usually within just five days after onset.

How It Infects