Health officials identify 'likely source' of rare brain infection that killed NC teen

North Carolina health officials say a man-made water feature at a community organization in Durham County is the likely source of a rare brain infection that killed a teen in August. NORTH CAROLINA TEEN CRITICALLY ILL AFTER CONTRACTING RARE 'BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA' INFECTION According to a report from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), a water feature at El Futuro, described as a community-based mental health center, was the most likely source of the Naegleria fowleri infection. Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater. It's often referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba" because it can infect the brain and destroy brain tissue, according to the CDC. The report said the teen was admitted to the hospital Aug. 22 after days of headaches and worsening symptoms. Testing confirmed the patient had a Naegleria infection Aug. 26. The teen died Aug.