A 2-year-old Nevada boy died July 19 after contracting Naegleria fowleri — the brain-eating amoeba, health officials confirmed to Becker's July 20.
Investigators at the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health said the infection likely occurred at Ash Springs, a natural hot spring in the state located on federal land about 120 miles north of Las Vegas.
N. fowleri is naturally occurring — but often fatal if contracted — and can be found in warming waters. A rise in temperatures has also led it to be more common in states outside of the South where it has traditionally been found.
"Because Naegleria fowleri occurs naturally in the environment there is no means to eliminate the ameba from fresh bodies of water," the department's release states. "Although the risk is low, recreational water users should always assume there is a risk when they enter warm fresh water."
CDC guidance recommends anyone entering a body of water for recreational activities to avoid getting the water in their nose, ears or mouth.