Warmer months in North Carolina bring plenty of swimming; a case of a "brain-eating amoeba" in a central N.C. teen may dissuade some this August.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services issued a news release Aug. 2
7 breaking the news that a teen was "critically ill" with Naegleria fowleri, often known as the "brain-eating amoeba" due to its ability to cause serious illness by destroying brain tissue.The N.C. DHHS release noted that the source of the case was still under investigation. Officials added, however, that Naegleria fowleri is naturally present in warm freshwater, including ponds, lakes and rivers, and is not found in salt water or properly maintained chlorinated pools. Swallowing the amoeba does not cause illness ― it is often
contracted when contaminated water is forced up the nose into the brain, which can occur by jumping into water, diving, water-skiing, and other water activities.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that infections often occur during long periods of hot weather. Here's what we know about the new North Carolina case, what else to know about the deadly amoebas and more.
Where do brain-eating amoebas live? Are there brain-eating amoebas in North Carolina?
The CDC website states that Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs around the world. In the U.S., the amoebas are most often found in the southern states.
The amoebas have also been found in tap water, poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads and other recreational venues, though very rarely.
North Carolina brain-eating amoeba case, August 2026
A news release issued Aug. 27 by the state health department reported that a teen in central N.C. was "critically ill" with Naegleria fowleri. To protect the privacy of the family, the release noted that no further information would be issued.
"Our hearts go out to this teen’s family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time," said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., in the release. "While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the U.S. There are steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection while swimming during the warmer months."
How do people get brain-eating amoeba infections?
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis or PAM is caused when water containing amoebas goes up the nose, allowing the amoebas to enter the brain. PAM cannot be contracted by drinking water containing Naegleria fowleri, and infected people cannot spread the infection to others.
The CDC website states that infections most often occur after someone goes swimming or diving in a lake, river or other fresh water during summer months. Long periods of hot weather resulting in higher water temperatures and lower water levels increase the risk of infection.
What are the first signs of brain-eating amoeba infection?
Naegleria fowleri earned its "brain-eating amoeba" nickname as it can infect the brain and destroy brain tissue. The CDC website states that the first symptoms of PAM can include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
As the infection progresses, symptoms can also include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and hallucinations. PAM progresses rapidly, usually leading to a coma and death after five days. Most patients die within 1-18 days after symptoms begin.
Can brain-eating amoeba infections be cured?
Though extremely rare - typically affecting fewer than 10 people a year in the U.S.- brain infections caused by Naegleria fowleri are nearly always fatal. More than 97% of people with PAM have died from the infection. The CDC website states that between 1962 and 2023, there were 164 reported cases of PAM in the U.S., with only four patients surviving the infections.
To minimize the risk of contracting PAM, the CDC suggests:
- Holding your nose or wearing a nose clip if you are jumping or diving into fresh water.
- Keeping your head above water at all times in hot springs.
- Avoiding digging in shallow water, as amoebas are more likely to live there.
- Using distilled or boiled tap water when rinsing your sinuses or cleansing your nasal passages.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: North Carolina teen critically ill with brain-eating amoeba
