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Broward County swimmer contracts brain-eating amoeba

Infection occurred on private property
Posted at 6:46 AM, Aug 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-11 17:43:15-04

The Florida Department of Health confirmed Wednesday a case of the brain-eating amoeba in Broward County.

Health officials believe the person contracted the infection after swimming in unsanitary water on a single private property.

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The location where the person was exposed was not immediately disclosed, but officials say they are investigating the body of water.

The patient is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

The scientific term for the brain-eating amoeba is Naegleria fowleri.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the bacteria is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes and rivers and can be fatal.

Courtesy of our news partner at NBC Miami