Minn. lake closed after boy's death from amoeba infection

Lily Lake
Lily Lake in Stillwater is closed to swimmers Wednesday, Aug. 8. 2012 after a 9-year-old boy who had gone swimming at the lake died of a suspected amoeba infection.
MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson

After the death of a Minnesota boy from a rare water-dwelling amoeba, officials closed a beach at Lily Lake in Stillwater.

Jack Ariola Erenberg, 9, died from a brain infection officials believe was caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. His funeral is Saturday.

Lily Lake is also where a 7-year-old girl died two years ago from what's believed to be the same amoeba growing in the water.

What can be done to protect swimmers in the hot summer months? Is there a connection to other reports we've heard this summer about algae and other issues with lakes?

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