North Carolina Health Department Probes Source of Rare Brain Infection
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has released the results of their investigation into a rare brain infection involving Naegleria fowleri. This organism, a single-celled amoeba, is typically found in warm freshwater environments.
Through discussions with the affected teen’s family, NCDHHS pinpointed several possible sites of exposure. In collaboration with local health authorities and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these sites were thoroughly examined and tested.
While the investigation did not definitively pinpoint the exact location of exposure, evidence indicates that a water feature at a community organization in Durham is the most probable source. The teen reportedly interacted with this feature during the likely exposure timeframe, including activities that included splashing water on the face. The Durham County Department of Health shut down this water feature on August 28, 2026, after it tested positive for Naegleria fowleri by the CDC, and it remains closed to the public for safety reasons.
Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri are exceptionally rare, with only 167 cases documented in the U.S. between 1962 and 2024. The amoeba becomes dangerous when it enters the body through the nose, often during activities like diving or water-skiing. It doesn’t pose a threat if swallowed but can reach the brain through nasal passages.
Symptoms, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), generally appear five days post-exposure but can range from 1 to 12 days. These symptoms start with severe headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting and quickly escalate to a stiff neck, seizures, and coma. The disease advances rapidly, leading to death within about five days in most cases. Annually, fewer than 10 PAM cases are diagnosed in the United States.
Such infections usually occur during extended periods of warm weather, which raise water temperatures and lower levels, creating ideal conditions for Naegleria fowleri to thrive, particularly in temperatures up to 115°F.
Although eliminating this amoeba from natural bodies of water isn’t feasible, safety precautions can minimize risks. Recommended measures include:
- Avoiding nasal water entry during warm freshwater activities by holding your nose shut, using nose clips, or keeping your head above water.
- Refraining from submerging your head in hot springs and thermal waters.
- Avoiding jumping or diving in warm freshwater when temperatures are high and water levels are low.
- Not disturbing sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas during recreational activities.
- Using only distilled water for nasal rinsing.
For further details, visit the CDC’s Naegleria fowleri webpage.
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