North Carolina teen critically ill after being infected ​with rare brain-eating amoeba

Key Points:

• A North Carolina teenager is critically ill after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which causes a deadly brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, with a 97% fatality rate in the U.S.
• The infection often occurs during hot weather months, particularly July and August, as the amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments like lakes and rivers, which have been increasingly affected by rising temperatures due to climate change.
• Health officials emphasize preventive measures such as avoiding warm freshwater or keeping the head above water to reduce the risk of infection, as the amoeba enters the brain through the nose but does not cause illness if swallowed.
• An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the teenager’s exposure, and authorities are withholding further details to protect patient privacy.
• Recent similar cases, including the death of an eight-year-old in Louisiana, highlight the ongoing risk posed by Naegleria fowleri in southern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. regions, especially during heatwaves and prolonged warm weather.