A central North Carolina teenager is currently in intensive care after contracting a rare brain infection caused by the microscopic organism Naegleria fowleri. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed the infection on Thursday and warned that the amoeba is commonly found in warm, fresh water such as lakes, rivers and ponds.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Often called the “brain-eating amoeba,” Naegleria fowleri can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing disease that damages the brain. Infection typically occurs when contaminated water is forced up the nose—such as during diving, jumping, or splashing in warm freshwater. The organism does not live in salt water or in properly maintained, chlorinated swimming pools.
Symptoms and prognosis
Early signs of PAM include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the disease advances, victims may develop a stiff neck, seizures and loss of consciousness. The illness progresses quickly, often leading to death within five days of symptom onset. In the United States, fewer than ten cases are reported each year.
State response and safety recommendations
State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore expressed sympathy for the teen’s family, saying, “Our hearts go out to this teen’s family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.” He also reminded residents that infections, while extremely rare, serve as a reminder that the amoeba is present in North Carolina and across the country.
To help protect the public, NCDHHS issued the following safety measures for anyone who chooses to swim or play in freshwater during hot weather:
- Prevent water from entering the nose by holding it shut or using nose clips.
- Keep your head above water while swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, or rivers.
- Avoid submerging your head in hot springs, thermal waters, or other warm bodies of water.
- Refrain from jumping or diving into warm freshwater when water temperatures are high and levels are low.
- Do not disturb or stir up sediment in lakes, ponds, or rivers, as the amoeba can reside in the bottom layers.
Why warm weather matters
The amoeba thrives in water temperatures that rise during prolonged heat waves. It can survive in temperatures up to 115°F (46°C), making late summer and early fall the highest‑risk periods. As water levels drop, the organism becomes more concentrated, increasing the likelihood of exposure.
Community impact
While the infection is rare, the case underscores the importance of public‑health education in North Carolina’s many rural and suburban communities where families often seek relief from summer heat by swimming in natural bodies of water. Local health departments are encouraged to share the safety guidelines with schools, churches, and youth groups to help prevent future tragedies.
Parents are urged to discuss these precautions with their children and to supervise any water activities closely. By taking simple steps—such as using nose clips and avoiding deep‑water dives—families can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing the risk of this deadly infection.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
