North Carolina teen dies from rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater: Health officials
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.
"The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if water with the amoeba in it is forced up the nose into the brain, which can occur by jumping into water, diving, water-skiing or other water activities," NCDHHS said.
No other details have been released about the teen.
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Health officials say they want to remind the public that cases of this illness tend to be rare.
While NCDHHS has not said where the teen contracted the illness, experts say it is naturally present in warm freshwater like ponds, lakes and rivers. It is not found in salt water or in properly maintained and chlorinated pools.
State health officials are urging everyone to take steps to stay safe when entering freshwater, especially at the end of the summer when experts say these cases occur.
For more information, please see the CDC's How to Prevent Naegleria fowleri Infection webpage.
