Experts say brain-eating amoeba risk remains low but awareness is key

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Concerns are growing around the Carolinas after a child died of a deadly brain amoeba in the midlands area of South Carolina.  

We met with local experts to tell us if we should be concerned in the Cape Fear. 

UNCW assistant professor, Dr. Blake Ushijima says brain-eating amoeba is not a bacterium. 

“it’s a freshwater eukaryote a microeukaryote, so it’s tiny little. It’s closer related to use than bacteria. Typically found, they do like warmer waters so especially during the summer,” Dr. Ushijima stated. 

The amoeba is typically found at the bottom of warm freshwater, but jumping or diving in can stir it up.  

New Hanover County Health Director John Campbell recommends caution. 

“The peak of summer when water is the most shallow and standing still being very stagnant, you may want to issue some caution jumping into the water forcefully. You can consider wearing a nose plug or if you go to a hot spring, keeping your head above the surface level,” Campbell said. 

The amoeba usually enters through the nose and enters your sinuses. 

“It’s possible that the amoeba is in much for places than we are seeing cases, you have to have the right circumstances to actually get infected. You have to have it re-suspended in the water, you have to get both that water and the amoeba up into your sinus cavity,” Dr. Ushijima explained. 

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirms no cases have been reported in 2024 or 2025 and the risk remains low. 

“This is a rare condition, so I do not want individuals to be overly concerned with going in water. However just as we should approach water safety with many other things like life jackets, vests, appropriate supervision, there are some things that can be done to limit any concerns for our residents,” Campbell shared. 

Doctor Ushijima says having a general understanding can be helpful. 

“Tt’s just to be aware of where you are in the environment especially where you are swimming. There are a lot of water borne pathogens. Just having this general common sense and also just like understanding what you are doing and where you are doing it,” Dr. Ushijima noted. 

Some of the symptoms include nausea, headache and confusion.  

If you’ve been in freshwater and exhibit any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.