Another victim of brain-eating amoeba as boy, 9, dies after swimming in lake

A second child has died after swimming in water infected by a brain-eating amoeba.

Christian Alexander Strickland, nine, from Virginia, became infected by the parasite after he went to a fishing camp in the state.

He died from meningitis on August 5 and health department officials confirmed that his death was from meningitis caused by an infection by the brain-eating amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri.

Also dead: Courtney Nash, 16, from Florida, died this week after swimming in St John's Lake. her family donated her organs

This week, Courtney Nash, 16, from Florida, died from the same infection after swimming in a local lake.

Christian Alexander's aunt Bonnie Strickland told the Richmond Times Dispatch: 'The doctor described it to us as such a slight chance that they didn't even think it would be possible.'

Dr Keri Hall, state epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health, said in a statement: 'Sadly, we have had a Naegleria infection in Virginia this summer. It's important that people be aware of … safe swimming messages.'

Where: Locator map showing the two places in America where children were killed by the brain-eating amoeba this month

Naegleria fowleri moves into the body through the nose and destroys brain tissue. It almost always causes meningitis, the paper said.

Symptoms of an infection include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations.

The public is urged to contact a medical professional immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Officials urge swimmers to avoid swimming in bodies of freshwater. Those who do should wear nose plugs or hold their nose when they jump or dive in.

The Naegleria fowleri does not pose a threat to swimmers in local springs, well-maintained pools and the ocean, according to the CDC. It can't be transmitted from person to person, either.

In the case of Courtney Nash, it is believed she was diving off a rock with family at St John's River when she caught the disease.

Courtney's mother, Patricia Nash, said that shortly before her death, she had decided to become an organ donor.

She told WESH that both lungs were transplanted and Courtney's liver and pancreas were 'performing another miracle for someone else'. Her kidneys were also being transplanted.

'I didn't get my miracle, but she has performed other miracles. If we can save other people's lives so they don't have to go through what I just went though, this could be a blessing in disguise,' she said.