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Any questions/concerns regarding this alert are to be directed to the Louisiana Department of Health.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a confirmed 

infection in a Louisiana resident. The resident most likely acquired the infection while swimming in Lake Claiborne, located in Claiborne Parish, shortly before illness.

, often referred to as a brain-eating amoeba, is commonly found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, canals, ponds, and hot springs throughout the United States. It can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that may result when water containing the amoeba rushes up the nose and reaches the brain. PAM cannot occur from swallowing water containing 

 and it cannot be transmitted person-to-person.

The infection is extremely rare, but nearly always fatal. Only 180 cases of PAM are known to have occurred in the in the U.S. (between zero and eight cases annually) from 1937 through 2025. Louisiana had three

Early symptoms of PAM can include: headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms typically start about 5 days after someone is exposed to 

 but can occur anywhere between 1 and 12 days after exposure.

Once symptoms occur, PAM progresses quickly. As it does, additional symptoms can include: stiff neck, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, photophobia, hallucinations, seizures, and cranial nerve abnormalities.

Signs and symptoms mimic those of bacterial meningitis, especially in the early stages. Findings on an exam may include meningeal signs and focal neurologic deficits. 

 infections destroy brain tissue and cause cerebral edema, which is often the cause of the patient’s death.  

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals

Diagnosis, Testing, and Clinical Management

Clinicians should consult with CDC for the diagnosis and treatment of PAM by contacting the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 

Amoeba (free living) infection (including 

, and others) is a Class A reportable condition in Louisiana, which requires public health reporting within 24 hours. Confirmed or suspected cases should be reported by phone by contacting the Infectious Disease Epidemiology 24/7 clinician hotline at 