The infection destroys brain tissue, which is why the infection is commonly referred to as a brain-eating amoeba.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family of the 12-year-old from South Carolina and has so far raised more than $36,000.

A tragic death in South Carolina has reignited fears about the rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba. Experts warn the first symptoms can mimic common viral infections, making early detection a matter of life or death.