North Carolina teen critically ill after contracting rare brain-amoeba infection
A teenager from central North Carolina is in critical condition after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-affecting amoeba found in warm freshwater, state health officials said.
A central North Carolina teenager is in critical condition after being infected with Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba that can cause severe brain damage. State health officials said the infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), likely resulted from exposure to warm freshwater, though the exact location was not disclosed. The organism thrives in warm lakes, rivers and ponds and can enter the body when contaminated water is forced up the nose during activities such as diving or jumping.
The disease progresses rapidly, producing headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures and coma, and is usually fatal within about five days. Fewer than ten cases are reported annually in the United States.
"Our hearts go out to this teen’s family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore, who noted that infections are extremely rare but serve as a reminder of the amoeba’s presence in North Carolina and elsewhere.
Officials emphasized that the amoeba is not found in salt water or properly chlorinated pools and advised the public to avoid submerging water up the nose when swimming in warm, untreated freshwater.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provided safety recommendations for those seeking relief in lakes or ponds during hot weather, when the organism is most likely to thrive.