North Carolina teen critically ill from rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater, officials say - ABC11 News
A North Carolina teenager is in critical condition after contracting a rare, often fatal brain-eating amoeba from freshwater. Health officials are investigating the source while warning the public about the dangers of warm water activities.
Why it matters
This highlights a rare but severe public health risk associated with climate-related warming of freshwater bodies, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A North Carolina teenager is critically ill from a rare brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri that's found in warm freshwater, state health officials said.
The teenager, whose identity has not been released, is receiving care, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said on Thursday. Details on the teen's condition were not provided, but NCDHHS said "once symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days."
Officials are still investigating where the teen contracted the amoeba, but Naegleria fowleri can be found in warm freshwater including ponds, lakes and rivers, and it grows best in hotter water, state health officials said.
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