Child dies from suspected brain-eating amoeba infection in Nebraska, officials say

A child has died from a suspected infection with Naegleria fowleri – or brain-eating amoeba – in Nebraska, health officials said Wednesday. If confirmed, it would be the first known death from it in the state. 

The Douglas County Health Department said in a news release that the child "possibly acquired" the infection while swimming in the Elkhorn River on Sunday. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are conducting further tests to confirm what it was, the county is urging residents to take precautions when being exposed to freshwater sources.

"We can only imagine the devastation this family must be feeling, and our deepest condolences are with them. We can honor the memory of this child by becoming educated about the risk and then taking steps to prevent infection," Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said in a statement.