KSDK The deadly infection has been historically rare, but as climate change heats up waters and worsens flooding, research shows cases could become more common. A Missouri resident is in intensive care after officials confirmed they had contracted a rare and deadly infection after swimming at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed the swimmer was infected with Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as a brain-eating amoeba. The amoeba can cause a deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM.