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Health officials identify 'likely source' of rare brain infection that killed NC teen
WLOS • • health
Key Points:
- North Carolina health officials identified a man-made water feature at El Futuro, a community mental health center in Durham County, as the likely source of a rare Naegleria fowleri infection that killed a teen in August.
- The teen was hospitalized on August 22 with symptoms including headaches and was confirmed to have the brain-eating amoeba infection on August 26, passing away on August 31.
- Investigations ruled out other potential exposure sites, such as an apartment complex pool in Orange County, and found evidence of poor disinfection and algal growth at the Durham County water feature.
- Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, with fewer than 10 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.; the amoeba infects individuals when contaminated water enters the nose, causing severe neurological symptoms and rapid progression to death.
- The water feature at El Futuro remains closed to the public as health officials continue monitoring the situation to prevent further infections.
