RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Health officials say a child who became ill after swimming in a private pond in central North Carolina earlier this month has died from a brain infection caused by an amoeba in the water.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services says the amoeba commonly found in freshwater called Naegleria fowleri caused the child’s illness. Experts report that swallowing the amoeba doesn’t cause illness, but it can be fatal if forced up the nose, which can occur when jumping or diving into water.

"Our heart-felt condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of this child," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D. "Although these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in North Carolina and that there are actions people can take to reduce their risk of infection when swimming in the summer."

The infections are rare, with only 147 known infections between 1962 and 2019. The department says six of those cases were in North Carolina.

Health experts say to take these precautions when swimming in fresh water:

• Limit the amount of water going up your nose. Hold your nose shut, use nose clips or keep your head above water when taking part in warm freshwater-related activities. 
• Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels. 
• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.