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Burlington mom speaks out after teen dies from rare brain-eating amoeba
ABC11 News • • health
Key Points:
- A 17-year-old Burlington teen, Moises Ponce Mendoza, died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba, an illness with fewer than 10 cases annually.
- Moises initially received treatment at Alamance Regional Medical Center but was later transferred to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill as his condition worsened, eventually falling into a coma before passing away.
- The family is grieving deeply and seeking answers about how Moises became infected, noting that he frequently swam in various lakes and pools.
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the source of exposure but has not yet identified where the infection originated.
- Moises was remembered fondly for his love of soccer and time spent with friends, with family urging health officials to find the source to protect others.
