North Carolina Teen Dies from Rare Naegleria fowleri Infection
A teenager in central North Carolina died on August 31, 2026, after contracting primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) first reported the critical illness on August 27, noting that the infection is extremely rare, with fewer than 10 cases reported in the U.S. annually. The amoeba is found in warm freshwater sources such as lakes, ponds, and rivers, but not in saltwater or properly chlorinated pools. Health officials are investigating the specific source of the infection alongside the CDC and local health departments. NCDHHS emphasized that while the amoeba cannot be eliminated from the environment, individuals can reduce risk by avoiding nose-dipping in warm freshwater and using nose clips during water activities. The family’s privacy was protected, and no further personal details were released.
