Durham water feature found as likely source of ‘brain-eating’ amoeba infection that killed teen
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- A teen's death from a "brain-eating" amoeba in Durham is likely linked to a water feature at El Futuro, a nonprofit mental health organization supporting Latino families.
- Investigators believe the teen was exposed by splashing water on their face in the clinic's outdoor green space, where Naegleria fowleri was detected.
- The water feature has been closed since August 28 for CDC testing, with Durham County health officials posting "Keep Out" signs at the site.
- Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba found in warm freshwater that can cause a severe brain infection if water enters the nose; there have been 167 infections nationwide from 1962 to 2024.
- El Futuro expressed condolences to the family, committed to cooperation with public health officials, and is supporting the community following the teen's death on August 31.
