A teenager in North Carolina is critically ill with a rare and often fatal brain-eating amoeba contracted after swimming in freshwater, state health officials confirmed.
The patient was infected with Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and rivers. The amoeba can travel up the nose and into the brain, causing a condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which leads to severe brain inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions when swimming in freshwater bodies, especially during warmer months when the amoeba multiplies. While the exact source of the current infection has not been confirmed, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stated the teenager is receiving medical care. Privacy concerns prevent the release of further details, including the patient's location or name.
Infections from Naegleria fowleri are rare in the United States, with approximately three cases recorded annually. This marks the second confirmed case nationwide this year, following the death of an 8-year-old child in Louisiana. North Carolina has seen previous cases, including one in 2019 and a fatality in 2016 involving a college student.
Dr. Zack Moore, the state epidemiologist, emphasized that while these infections are uncommon, the presence of the amoeba in state waters is a reminder for the public to be aware. He noted that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of infection during water activities.
Symptoms of PAM typically begin with a severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These can rapidly progress to a stiff neck, seizures, and coma. The disease has a very high fatality rate, with most patients dying within five days of symptom onset. Treatment involves a combination of medications aimed at combating the pathogen and reducing brain swelling.
Health officials recommend several measures to minimize the risk of infection, including holding the nose shut or using a nose clip when entering the water, keeping the head above water, and avoiding diving or jumping into freshwater, particularly during warm periods. Avoiding disturbance of sediment in freshwater bodies during water-related activities is also advised. The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed, but it can be fatal if water is forced up the nose.