Recent reports of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have thrust the rare pathogen Naegleria fowleri into the national spotlight. The amoeba, often dubbed the “brain‑eating amoeba,” can cause a rapid, usually fatal, brain infection when contaminated warm freshwater enters a person’s nose. This summer alone, at least two U.S. cases of PAM have been confirmed, underscoring ongoing public health concerns.
States with Highest Reported Cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states with the most documented infections are Texas and Florida. Between 1937 and 2025, Texas recorded 40 cases, while Florida reported 37. Virginia and California follow these leaders, though exact numbers for those states are not detailed in the CDC’s summary.
The CDC notes that warmer climates tend to produce more PAM cases, yet infections have also been documented in northern states. The agency’s map, recently corrected to adjust Delaware’s case totals, highlights the geographic distribution of the 180 reported infections across the United States.
Historical Overview and Annual Totals
The CDC’s dataset spans nearly nine decades, covering 180 infections with known exposure locations. Annual case counts have varied, ranging from zero to eight cases in a given year. Early records, specifically those from 1937 through 1961, were identified later through a review of historical documentation rather than contemporaneous reporting.
Despite the rarity of the disease—fewer than ten people are infected each year in the United States—the severity of PAM ensures it receives extensive media attention. The infection progresses quickly and is almost always fatal, a fact that amplifies public concern whenever new cases emerge.
Recent high‑profile incidents include the death of a child in Louisiana and a severe illness suffered by a teenager in North Carolina, both linked to contaminated freshwater exposure. These cases illustrate how the amoeba can affect individuals of varying ages when they encounter warm lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Prevention Tips
While avoiding freshwater recreation during the summer may be impractical for many, the CDC offers practical steps to reduce risk. Swimmers are advised to wear a nose clip or hold their nose when diving or jumping into warm freshwater bodies. Because Naegleria fowleri tends to thrive in shallow water, avoiding digging in such areas can also lower exposure chances. In hot springs, keeping the head above water is another recommended precaution.
Public health officials continue to stress awareness and preventive measures, especially in states with higher case counts. By following simple guidelines—such as protecting the nasal passages and staying informed about local water conditions—individuals can help mitigate the already low but serious risk posed by this deadly microorganism.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
