Georgia resident dies from rare ‘brain-eating amoeba’

Victim infected with Naegleria fowleri, which destroys brain tissue, probably after swimming in lake or pond

A Georgia resident has died from a rare brain infection, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba", state health officials said on Friday.

The victim was infected with Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that destroys brain tissue, causes brain swelling and usually death, the Georgia department of health confirmed in a news release.