A central North Carolina teenager is in critical condition after contracting a rare and frequently fatal brain infection caused by a microscopic freshwater organism, state health officials announced.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that the patient contracted primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba”. To protect the patient’s privacy, officials have not released the teenager’s name, age, gender, or exact hometown.

“Our hearts go out to this teen’s family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the U.S.”

How the Organism Spreads

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism naturally found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, as well as unchlorinated or poorly maintained pools.

Health officials stressed that individuals cannot contract the infection by swallowing contaminated water. Instead, the amoeba infects people when water is forced up the nose—often during activities like diving, water-skiing, or jumping into warm bodies of water. Once inside the nasal passages, the organism travels along the olfactory nerve into the brain, where it destroys brain tissue.

Initial symptoms usually begin within a week of exposure and resemble bacterial meningitis, starting with severe headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection rapidly progresses, patients may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and loss of balance. The disease advances quickly and is usually fatal within five days of symptom onset.

Rising Concerns and Precautionary Steps

The North Carolina case comes less than a week after an 8-year-old girl in Louisiana passed away after contracting the same amoeba while swimming in a local lake.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Naegleria fowleri infections are extraordinarily rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported nationwide in a typical year. However, the organism thrives in higher water temperatures—especially up to 115°F—making late summer periods of prolonged heat and low water levels the highest risk time for exposure.

Health officials urge people participating in warm freshwater activities during the summer months to take precautions, including:

• Holding your nose shut or using nose clips when jumping or diving into warm freshwater.
• Keeping your head above water in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, or thermal hot springs.
• Avoiding stirring up sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas.