CEDAR CITY — A toddler died Wednesday of a rare condition he reportedly contracted while swimming in rural Ash Springs, Nevada. Loved ones and community members have rallied around the family and are raising funds to cover his medical and funeral expenses.
Woodrow Bundy began exhibiting flu symptoms last week. His mother ultimately rushed him to the hospital in her pajamas after noticing “signs of deeper distress,” reads a Facebook post shared by various users. They were concerned he had meningitis — a diagnosis initially agreed upon by doctors .
“Family and friends prayed for a miracle while doctors did all they could to battle what they ultimately decided was a brain eating amoeba,” the post reads. “But early in the morning on July 19, Woodrow returned home to his Heavenly Father.”
Woodrow’s aunt Bailey Logue told Cedar City News that the toddler “came to this world and he lived life happy, and he brought joy to everyone that came in contact with him.
“We ask for the community to pray for this family,” she added.
Several fundraisers are active to help the family pay for medical and funeral expenses. Those interested in supporting them can donate via Venmo @Mel-Bundy or the GoFundMe set up by family friend Todd Engel.
Additionally, people can participate in the Cedar City Livestock Market’s fundraiser on Thursday, July 20. Multiple cuts were donated and available to bid on, including half a show pig.
Individuals can also make over-the-phone bids by calling 435-559-8121.
What is the brain-eating amoeba?
The brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in soil and warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers or hot springs, and grows best at temperatures up to 115 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While some areas will have signs warning recreators about the amoeba, it is best to assume that any freshwater will be contaminated, as it is common throughout the U.S., despite infections being extremely rare — 29 cases were reported from 2013-22, with most cases in boys younger than 14 for unclear reasons.
“It’s possible that young boys are more likely than others to participate in activities such as diving into the water and playing in the sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers,” the department states.
Individuals become infected when the amoeba travels via their nose into their brain, where the microscopic life-form “destroys brain tissue and causes a devastating infection” called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, which is nearly always fatal.
People are most likely to become infected while swimming, diving or putting their heads underwater or by using contaminated tap water to cleanse their noses. In rare cases, the CDC said individuals can contract it in recreational water, like a pool, that doesn’t contain enough chlorine.
The amoeba causes death in over 97% of cases, with only four of 157 people known to have become infected surviving between 1962 and 2022, the CDC writes.
Early symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis, including headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting and begin approximately five days following infection in many cases. But they can start anytime within one to 12 days.
“After symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about 5 days (but death can happen within 1 to 18 days),” the CDC writes.
While the family loves Ash Springs, Briana Bundy, Woodrow’s mom, wrote in a Facebook post that others should take safety precautions. She urged people to wear nose plugs and avoid putting their heads underwater or disturbing the soil.
“If you are swimming there, please protect yourself and your children,” she wrote.
Event details:
What: An auction to raise funds for Woodrow Bundy’s medical and funeral expenses.
Where: At the Cedar Livestock Market, 2290, 400 North, Cedar City.
People can also make over-the-phone bids by calling 435-559-8121.
When: Thursday, July 20 at 11 a.m.
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