North Carolina Teen Dies from Naegleria fowleri Infection, Following Similar Case in Louisiana

<p>A North Carolina teenager has died from a rare infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which is typically found in warm freshwater, according to state health officials. The teen's mother reported that his first symptom was severe headaches.</p><p>The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services expressed condolences to the family, friends, and community affected by the loss. This incident follows the recent death of an 8-year-old girl in Louisiana from the same infection.</p><p>State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., noted that while these infections are rare, they serve as a reminder that the amoeba is present in North Carolina and across the U.S. He emphasized that there are precautions individuals can take while swimming during warmer months.</p><p>Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as a "brain-eating amoeba," causes a severe brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba is most active during periods of elevated water temperatures.</p><p>Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UT Southwestern and Children's Health in Dallas, Texas, explained that the infection can occur when water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose, which can happen during activities such as jumping or diving into water. He warned that once the amoeba reaches the brain, the disease is nearly always fatal, with a mortality rate close to 100%.</p><p>The initial symptoms of PAM typically appear about five days after exposure but can manifest sooner. Early signs include headache, nausea, fever, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, symptoms may include confusion, slurred speech, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma.</p><p>Diagnosis involves testing cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a spinal tap, and specialized laboratory testing may be required. Symptoms usually begin five days after exposure, but can appear anywhere from one to 12 days later. Most individuals die within one to 18 days after symptoms begin, generally around five days, according to the CDC.</p><p>To reduce the risk of infection, Dr. Kahn recommends avoiding waters where the amoeba is likely to be present or taking precautions such as wearing a nose clip and avoiding submerging the head underwater. Drinking contaminated water does not pose a risk, and the infection does not spread from person to person.</p><p>Because the amoeba is also found in soil, the CDC advises against stirring up sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and rivers. Treatment for Naegleria fowleri infection typically involves a combination of antimicrobial and anti-amoebic medications, although the effectiveness of these treatments is limited due to the small number of cases each year.</p><p>Individuals experiencing sudden headache, fever, stiff neck, or vomiting, particularly after swimming in warm freshwater, should seek immediate medical attention, as recommended by the CDC.</p>