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NC teen critically ill with amoeba found in warm, fresh water
WRAL • • health
Key Points:
- A teenager in central North Carolina is critically ill with a rare brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which is commonly found in warm freshwater.
- The infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, often during activities like diving or jumping into warm lakes, rivers, or ponds; it is not present in saltwater or properly chlorinated pools.
- The disease, primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), progresses rapidly with symptoms including headache, fever, nausea, and can lead to seizures, coma, and death within about five days.
- Infections are extremely rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported annually in the U.S., and are more common during hot weather when water temperatures rise and levels drop.
- Health officials emphasize caution when swimming in warm freshwater and have issued safety recommendations to help prevent infection.
