Brain-eating amoeba confirmed in South Carolina

A South Carolina resident has been exposed to a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri.

The rare, potentially deadly amoeba is naturally present in warm fresh water -- yet it's generally quite difficult to contract. According to health officials the individual was reportedly swimming near Martin's Landing on the Edisto River in Charleston County.

See images of the deadly bacteria:

Naegleria fowleri doesn't cause illness if swallowed, but can be deadly if it's forced up the nose and can reach the brain. The amoeba is only found in fresh water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and ponds.

The CDC notes that only about 10 cases are reported in the U.S. each year, and nearly all are fatal.