Durham mental health center's man-made creek identified as likely source of fatal brain-eating amoeba

State investigators have identified a man-made creek outside the El Futuro community mental health center in Durham as the most likely site where 17-year-old Moses Mendoza was exposed to Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba that caused his death. The Durham County Health Department posted a "Keep Out" sign on the water feature on Aug. 28, but the area lacks a fence or other barrier.

The CDC reported that samples taken from the fountain’s storage tank, rocks and a nearby fire hydrant tested positive for the amoeba, indicating that the creek’s chlorine treatments and power-washing were insufficient. Officials also noted that El Futuro had not completed the required permitting process for the water feature.

"Our hearts are broken for the young boy who lost his life and for his family. We are committed to supporting his family and our community through this devastating loss. We will continue to fully cooperate with public health officials," the center said in a statement.

Local residents expressed concern and called for the creek to remain closed. The facility’s water feature has been shut since county officials first contacted the center, and no timeline has been announced for reopening.