Naegleria fowleri, also referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba" or "brain-eating ameba," thrives in freshwater at warm temperatures. It can cause a rare but deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). (Dr. George R. Healy, CDC)
MOOSE, Wyo. – A parasitic amoeba that causes deadly brain infections has turned up in a warm spring in Grand Teton National Park, prompting a warning for those seeking a soak.
The microscopic Naegleria fowleri (nuh-GLEER'-ee-uh FOW'-lur-ee) amoeba typically occurs in the Southern U.S., not the Rocky Mountain West.
Even so, Grand Teton officials announced Monday tests confirm the amoeba in Kelly Warm Spring, a popular soaking hole in the park.
Tests also found the amoeba in two hot springs in the nearby John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway. Soaking in those springs is prohibited but Grand Teton spokeswoman Denise Germann (ger-MANN') says people sometimes sneak in.
She urges people in Kelly Warm Spring to avoid getting water up the nose.
The so-called "brain-eating" amoeba killed an 11-year-old girl in South Carolina on Friday.
Fox News Health
Stay up-to-date on the biggest health and wellness news with our weekly recap.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.