North Carolina teen dies from rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater: Health officials
A North Carolina teenager has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba from freshwater. Health officials are investigating the source and advising the public on preventative measures while noting the extreme rarity of such cases.
Why it matters
Public health awareness regarding rare but fatal environmental pathogens is critical for safety during recreational water activities.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina health officials say a teenager has died days after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater.
The teenager, whose identity was not released, died on Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed on Tuesday.
"We extend our condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by this loss," the department said in a statement.
NCDHHS said last Thursday that the teenager was critically ill and that "once symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days."
Naegleria fowleri can be found in warm freshwater including ponds, lakes and rivers, and it grows best in hotter water, state health officials said. NCDHHS said Monday that it's working with federal and local partners "to investigate all possible sources" of this case.
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