Florida Boy Is Fighting a Brain Eating Amoeba

By Bill Doyle

A 12-year old boy in Florida is in the hospital fighting for his life against a brain eating amoeba. His condition is officially known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis or PAM.

According to NBC-2 in Florida,

Only three people have ever survived this deadly infection.

The amoeba enters the body through the nose. It travels to the brain where it destroys brain tissue. The infection is rare and usually fatal.

The Centers for Disease Control reports there have been only 31 infections between 2003 and 2012.

Zachary Reyna, 12, and his friends were being pulled on a knee board through murky water near the family's home when he came into contact with the amoeba. Medical experts say it can take up to a week before symptoms are noticed.

You can show your support for Zachary by liking a Facebook page, started by his family. Check it out here.