North Carolina Teen Hospitalized with Rare Naegleria fowleri Brain Infection
A teenager in central North Carolina is in critical condition after contracting a rare brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, health officials said.
North Carolina health officials reported Thursday that a teenager from central North Carolina is critically ill with a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater. The Department of Health and Human Services declined to release further details to protect the family’s privacy.
"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.
The amoeba is commonly found in ponds, lakes and rivers but not in salt water or properly chlorinated pools. Infection occurs when contaminated water is forced up the nose during activities such as diving, jumping or water-skiing, leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Dr. Jeffery Hatcher of Cone Health explained that the resulting inflammation creates pressure within the skull.
Symptoms typically begin with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, and can quickly progress to a stiff neck, seizures and coma. The disease usually proves fatal within about five days after symptoms appear, and fewer than ten cases are reported annually in the United States. The source of this particular infection is still under investigation.
State health officials advised people engaging in warm freshwater activities to use nose clips or hold their nose shut, avoid submerging the head in hot springs, refrain from diving into warm water during high temperatures, and avoid stirring up sediment in shallow water.