Midlands Doctor Weighs In on Deadly Amoeba

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO) — After a rare brain infection caused by a deadly amoeba kills a Sumter County boy, officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control urge South Carolinians to use caution when enjoying fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers in the state. Dr. Bill Tynan, medical epidemiologist with DHEC says there is no sure way to prevent infection from the organism, Naegleria fowleri, expect to avoid the fresh waters of the state. However, if you choose to swim in those areas, he says use a nose plug to block nasal passages. The microscopic organism, that led to an infection that killed 8-year-old Blake Driggers of Sumter after a family visit to the Santee River, which flows into Lake Marion, enters through the nose, travels to the brain and causes the deadly infection. If not treated immediately, Dr. Tynan says it can be fatal. View the video link for more information. If you would like to contribute to the funeral costs for Blake Driggers, you may do so via the following avenues: Facebook Page: Prayers for Blake Driggers PayPal: rememberingblakedriggers Bank: Safe Federal Credit Union (Any location)