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North Carolina teen critically ill from rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater, officials say
ABC11 News • • general
Key Points:
- A North Carolina teenager is critically ill from a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, which is found in warm freshwater such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
- The disease progresses rapidly after symptoms begin and usually causes death within about five days, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
- Naegleria fowleri infection occurs when contaminated water is forced up the nose during activities like jumping into water or diving, but it does not cause illness if swallowed.
- The U.S. typically records fewer than 10 cases annually of this infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with early symptoms including severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Recently, an 8-year-old girl in Louisiana died from the same infection after likely contracting it while swimming in a lake, highlighting the rare but deadly nature of the amoeba.
