North Carolina teenager dies from rare infection caused by brain-eating amoeba
Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater, and if it enters through the nose, can cause brain damage
TL;DR
- A North Carolina teenager died on August 31, 2026, from an infection caused by *Naegleria fowleri*.
- The brain-eating amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater.
- Infection can occur when contaminated water enters the nose, leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- Symptoms include severe headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and coma.
- More than 97% of people who contract PAM die from the infection.
- Health officials recommend safety measures in warm freshwater, such as keeping heads above water and avoiding diving.