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Rachel V Thomas

Brain-Eating Amoeba Leaves North Carolina Teen Critically Ill: How Naegleria fowleri Affects?

A North Carolina teen is reportedly critically ill after being infected with a rare “brain-eating” <span>amoeba</span> called <span>Naegleria fowleri</span>, according to health officials.

The case comes barely a week after an 8-year-old Louisiana girl died after contracting the infection.

<h2>North Carolina Teen Critically Ill</h2>

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on August 27 that a teen resident had been infected with the rare amoeba, which is commonly found in freshwater. The teen is critically ill and receiving medical care.

The department said it is not releasing further information to protect the family’s privacy. The source of the infection is under investigation.

“While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the US,” North Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in a statement.

Eight-year-old Lillian Smart of Ruston died on August 22, just one day after her eighth birthday. She had been hospitalised since August 15 after developing the infection, which was believed to have been acquired while swimming in Lake Claiborne.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the case on August 19 but did not publicly identify the child.  

One of the biggest challenges is the speed at which the infection progresses. According to recent CDC data cited in coverage of the Louisiana case, 173 Naegleria fowleri infections were documented in the US between 1937 and 2025, with only four known survivors. This puts the fatality rate at roughly 97%.

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba naturally present in warm freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers. It is not found in salt water or properly maintained and chlorinated pools.

The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed. However, it can be fatal if water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose and reaches the brain. This can happen during activities such as jumping into water, diving and water-skiing.

The infection caused by N. fowleri, also called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), starts with symptoms including:

<ul><li>Severe headache</li><li>Fever</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Vomiting</li></ul>

<ul><li>Stiff neck</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Coma</li></ul>Once symptoms begin, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days. Typically, fewer than 10 people a year in the United States develop PAM.

These rare infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods, leading to higher water temperatures and lower water levels. Naegleria fowleri grows best at higher temperatures, up to 115°F.

While there is no way to eliminate the amoeba from the environment, some safety measures can reduce the risk:

<ul><li>Prevent water from going up your nose by holding your nose shut, using nose clips or keeping your head above water during warm freshwater activities.</li><li>Avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and thermal waters.</li><li>Avoid jumping or diving into warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.</li><li>Avoid digging in or stirring up sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow.</li></ul>

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A North Carolina teen is reportedly critically ill after being infected with a rare “brain-eating” amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, according to health officials. The case comes barely a week after an 8-year-old Louisiana girl died after contracting the infection.North Carolina Teen Critically IllThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on August 27 that a teen resident had been infected with the rare amoeba, which is commonly found in freshwater. The teen is critically ill and receiving medical care.The department said it is not releasing further information to protect the family’s privacy. The source of the infection is under investigation.“While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the US,” North Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in a statement.What Happened To The Louisiana Girl?Eight-year-old Lillian Smart of Ruston died on August 22, just one day after her eighth birthday. She had been hospitalised since August 15 after developing the infection, which was believed to have been acquired while swimming in Lake Claiborne.The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the case on August 19 but did not publicly identify the child.  One of the biggest challenges is the speed at which the infection progresses. According to recent CDC data cited in coverage of the Louisiana case, 173 Naegleria fowleri infections were documented in the US between 1937 and 2025, with only four known survivors. This puts the fatality rate at roughly 97%.What Is Naegleria fowleri?Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba naturally present in warm freshwater such as ponds, lakes and rivers. It is not found in salt water or properly maintained and chlorinated pools.The amoeba does not cause illness if swallowed. However, it can be fatal if water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose and reaches the brain. This can happen during activities such as jumping into water, diving and water-skiing.Symptoms Of Naegleria fowleri InfectionThe infection caused by N. fowleri, also called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), starts with symptoms including:Severe headacheFeverNauseaVomitingThe infection can then progress to:Stiff neckSeizuresComaOnce symptoms begin, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days. Typically, fewer than 10 people a year in the United States develop PAM.These rare infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods, leading to higher water temperatures and lower water levels. Naegleria fowleri grows best at higher temperatures, up to 115°F.How To Stay Safe?While there is no way to eliminate the amoeba from the environment, some safety measures can reduce the risk:Prevent water from going up your nose by holding your nose shut, using nose clips or keeping your head above water during warm freshwater activities.Avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and thermal waters.Avoid jumping or diving into warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.Avoid digging in or stirring up sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow.

brain-eating amoeba leaves north carolina teen critically ill: how naegleria fowleri affects?

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Brain-Eating Amoeba Leaves North Carolina Teen Critically Ill: How Naegleria fowleri Affects?

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Brain-Eating Amoeba Leaves North Carolina Teen Critically Ill: How Naegleria fowleri Affects?

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