Boy, 14, clings to life after picking up brain-eating bug while swimming in lake

A boy of 14 is critically ill after he contracted a brain-eating infection while swimming in a lake. Hunter Boutain, of Alexandria, Minnesota, is in a coma at University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis after swimming in Lake Minnewaska on Tuesday. He is being treated for suspected primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba which is found in warm freshwater. His uncle, Bryan, said his nephew was largely unresponsive and breathing with the help of a respirator. “We are praying for a miracle for this rascal,” he added.

Hunter is still in the hospital and remains in critical condition. This is a difficult time for our family. We are grateful for the support we’ve received, and welcome everyone’s continued prayers.

Bryan Boutain, Hunter’s uncle

Public beaches in Glenwood and Starbuck were closed on Tuesday, but have since reopened. The amoeba can infect people by entering the body through the nose, usually when people get water in their nose from swimming and diving. Symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff necks. Secondary symptoms can include confusion, hallucinations, lack of attention, loss of balance and seizures. There have been 35 confirmed cases of infection in the past 10 years in the US.

Water users in general should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present, or can be present, in any freshwater — particularly warm fresh water.

Trisha Robinson, Minnesota Department of Health

Minnewaska Health