CDC confirms presence of ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in Elkhorn River near Omaha

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed the presence of a “brain-eating amoeba” in the Elkhorn River.

Officials confirmed that the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, was responsible for the death of a Douglas County child.

The Douglas County Health Department continues to urge the community to take precautions while being exposed to freshwater sources.

The amoeba is present in rivers, lakes and streams when water becomes shallow and warmer, officials say.

On Thursday, the health department held a press conference regarding the amoeba.

“Be aware that this is something that is now present here in our water,” said Dr. Lindsey Huse, Douglas County health director. “This was just a very, very unfortunate incident.”

See also: Nebraska child dies from suspected ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in Elkhorn River