A North Carolina teenager has died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by a microscopic amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services confirmed.
NCDHHS said the teen died on Aug. 31, four days after the department announced he was critically ill and receiving medical care for the infection.
“We extend our condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by this loss,” NCDHHS said in a statement to USA TODAY.
NCDHHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to investigate all possible sources of the infection. State officials have not identified the deceased teenager. His mother, Monica Mendoza, identified him as Moises Ponce Mendoza in an online fundraiser, where she said her son became severely ill after developing intense headaches.
What happened to the North Carolina teen?
Mendoza said she took Moises to a Burlington hospital on Aug. 21 after his symptoms became severe. She said the family was sent home following a brief examination.
However, the teen’s condition worsened, prompting Mendoza to take him to the University of North Carolina hospital’s emergency department the following morning, she said, per the GoFundMe page.
Doctors there determined that he had an infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri, according to Mendoza. She said her son was placed in a coma as doctors worked to treat the rare, often-fatal brain infection.
How does the brain-eating amoeba cause infection?
Naegleria fowleri lives primarily in warm freshwater, including lakes, ponds and rivers. The organism does not cause illness when swallowed.
The danger occurs when contaminated water enters the nose. From there, the amoeba can travel to the brain and cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, according to the CDC.
PAM is extremely rare but is usually fatal. The CDC says fewer than 10 cases are reported in the United States each year, and more than 97% of people who develop the infection die.
NCDHHS said symptoms can begin with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, people can develop a stiff neck, seizures and coma.
The illness typically progresses rapidly, with death occurring about five days after symptoms begin, according to state health officials.
How can swimmers reduce their risk?
Health officials say people can take precautions when swimming or participating in activities in warm freshwater.
The CDC recommends holding your nose or using a nose clip when jumping or diving into freshwater. People should also avoid stirring up sediment in shallow, warm water, and keep their heads above water when in hot springs.
The agency also recommends using distilled or boiled water when rinsing the sinuses or cleansing nasal passages.
The North Carolina case follows the death of 8-year-old Lillian Smart in Louisiana, who died on Aug. 22 after contracting a Naegleria fowleri infection. State health officials said she may have been exposed while swimming in a Louisiana lake.
Contributing: USA TODAY reporter Melina Khan
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT