"We have confirmed a rare brain infection in a Missourian caused by an ameba (also spelled amoeba) called Naegleria fowleri. The infection is known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) - it is not contagious, but it is deadly. The patient is being treated in the ICU," the post said. It is the first such infection in three years for Missouri.

The deadly infection has been historically rare, but as climate change heats up waters and worsens flooding, research shows cases could become more common.

Naegleria fowleri, also known as the 'brain-eating amoeba,' has been detected in drinking water supplies in Augathella and Charleville, Queensland. The microorganism causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis,