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Deadly Brain-eating amoeba linked to Durham facility; health dept says creek lacked required permits
ABC11 News • • general
Key Points:
- A manmade creek outside El Futuro, a mental health center in Durham, is closed after being identified as the likely source of exposure to the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which caused the death of 17-year-old Moses Mendoza.
- State and CDC investigations found the amoeba in the creek's water, rocks, and a fire hydrant, revealing that the water feature was not effectively disinfected despite chlorine treatments and power washing.
- The Durham County Health Department closed the creek on August 28, and it was revealed that El Futuro had not completed the required permitting and evaluation process for the water feature.
- Community members have expressed concerns about safety and prevention measures, calling for the creek's closure and questioning how such incidents can be avoided in the future.
- El Futuro expressed condolences to the family and commitment to cooperating with health officials, while no timeline has been given for the creek’s reopening.
