Health expert sheds light on girl's death from rare infection

Memorial services were held Friday for a 7-year-old Stillwater girl who died from a brain infection contracted while swimming in Minnesota.

The State Health Department says Annie Bahneman died from an illness brought on by a warm-water amoeba called Naegleria fowleri.

Dr. Richard Danila, deputy epidemiologist for the Minnesota Department of Health, talked with MPR's Tom Crann about how a swimmer could become infected by this organism.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.