Heat-Driven Shifts in NC Waters Elevate Health Risks

Warmer North Carolina waters—driven by climate change—are expanding the season for harmful algae and microbes, with rare but deadly infections from Naegleria fowleri and Vibrio vulnificus highlighting evolving waterborne risks; while most recreational sites meet safety standards, experts warn that warmer, shallow, slow-moving waters can foster blooms and bacteria, urging avoidance of bright green or discolored water and keeping warm freshwater out of the nose.