A likely source has been determined for the brain-eating amoeba infection that caused thedeath of a North Carolina teen in August 2026.
As previously reported by the Citizen Times, a news release issued Aug. 27 by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported that a teen in the central part of the state was "critically ill" with Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba." To protect the privacy of the family, the release noted that no further information would be issued.
In an online fundraiser, the teen's mother, Monica Mendoza, identified him as Moises Ponce Mendoza.
On Aug. 31, four days after the initial announcement, the state health department confirmed to USA TODAY that Mendoza had died of his infection.
“We extend our condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by this loss,” N.C. DHHS said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Initially, no possible source of the amoeba was identified. On Sept. 15, the N.C. DHHS announced that a likely source had been located following interviews with the patient's family and tests of water.
Source of North Carolina brain-eating amoeba case found
According to a Sept. 15 news release from the N.C. DHHS, interviews with the patient's family identified several possible locations where exposure to warm freshwater might have occurred, and findings from testing suggest that a water feature located at a community-based organization in Durham is believed to be the source.
The teen who contracted Naegleria fowleri was reported to have had contact with the water feature during the likely exposure period, including splashing water on his face. The water feature remains closed as of September 2026 after being closed by the Durham County Department of Health on Aug. 28 and is confirmed to have tested positive for the deadly amoeba.
Where do brain-eating amoebas live?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.
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" name 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.
Monica Mendoza stated on a GoFundMe page that her son had become severely ill after developing intense headaches caused by the infection.
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: Likely source of NC brain-eating amoeba that killed teen determined
