The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that a local teenager succumbed to a rare and deadly brain infection on Monday, Aug. 31. The illness, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by the microscopic amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers.
What happened
According to NCDHHS, the teen became critically ill on Thursday, Aug. 28, after contracting the infection. The department has not released the teen’s name or further personal details to protect the family’s privacy. Health officials say the amoeba enters the body when contaminated water is inhaled through the nose, typically during swimming or other water activities.
Investigation underway
State health officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments to locate the specific water source involved. While the agency has not identified the exact location, it emphasized that Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm, stagnant bodies of water throughout the state during summer months.
How rare is the disease?
PAM is extremely uncommon, with fewer than ten cases reported nationwide each year. The infection carries a very high fatality rate, and most patients die within a week of symptom onset. Early diagnosis is difficult because the initial symptoms—headache, fever, nausea—mimic more common illnesses.
Public‑health guidance
The NCDHHS urges residents to take simple precautions when enjoying freshwater recreation: avoid submerging the head in warm, untreated water; use nose clips or keep the head above water; and refrain from swimming in bodies of water that appear stagnant or overly warm. If a person experiences severe headache, fever, vomiting, or stiff neck after water exposure, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Community response
Local officials expressed condolences to the teen’s family and emphasized the importance of community awareness. “Our thoughts are with the family during this tragic time,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We are committed to identifying the source and preventing future cases.”
Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed through the NCDHHS website and local health alerts. The department will continue to update the public as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
