One person has died from an illness caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as brain-eating amoeba, after swimming at a water park in North Carolina, according to the Cumberland County Department of Public Health.Officials said the victim died after developing primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an illness caused by an amoeba that is naturally present in warm freshwater during the summer. WRAL reports the victim's name is Eddie Gray. Gray became ill after swimming in Fantasy Lake Water Park in Cumberland County on July 12, officials said."Mr. Gray’s death was tragic and untimely," Gray's family attorney said in a statement. "The family is currently asking for privacy and respect during this difficult time. Otherwise, at this time, the family has no comment on the matter."“I would like to first express my sincere condolences to the family of this individual,” said Duane Holder, Cumberland County interim health director and assistant county manager. “We encourage everyone to use precaution when swimming, diving, or water-skiing in warm freshwater lakes.”The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that the individual’s illness was caused by Naegleria fowleri, which is an amoeba, or one-celled living organism, commonly found in warm freshwater. The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if forced up the nose. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.For more information about Naegleria fowleri, click here.Related video: Woman dies from brain-eating amoeba, doctors say

One person has died from an illness caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as brain-eating amoeba, after swimming at a water park in North Carolina, according to the Cumberland County Department of Public Health.

Officials said the victim died after developing primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an illness caused by an amoeba that is naturally present in warm freshwater during the summer.


WRAL reports the victim's name is Eddie Gray. Gray became ill after swimming in Fantasy Lake Water Park in Cumberland County on July 12, officials said.



"Mr. Gray’s death was tragic and untimely," Gray's family attorney said in a statement. "The family is currently asking for privacy and respect during this difficult time. Otherwise, at this time, the family has no comment on the matter."



“I would like to first express my sincere condolences to the family of this individual,” said Duane Holder, Cumberland County interim health director and assistant county manager. “We encourage everyone to use precaution when swimming, diving, or water-skiing in warm freshwater lakes.”



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that the individual’s illness was caused by Naegleria fowleri, which is an amoeba, or one-celled living organism, commonly found in warm freshwater. The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if forced up the nose. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.



For more information about Naegleria fowleri, click here.

Related video: Woman dies from brain-eating amoeba, doctors say

