Water feature likely source of brain-eating amoeba infection that killed NC teen

North Carolina health officials say a teenager has died from an infection caused by a rare brain-eating amoeba.

Officials said they could not determine the exact place where the teen was infected, but they believe it was likely linked to a water feature at a community-based organization in Durham.

Neighbors said the water feature is a popular spot for children.

“There are kids in that little pond, waterfall, every single day,” resident Zamaya Strickland said.

Investigators tested several water sources as part of their investigation. Health officials said only water from a man-made creek tested positive for the amoeba. They also found algae growing around the pump systems.

Doctors say the infection can occur when contaminated water enters a person’s nose.

“It doesn’t have to be that forceful, so I think anything that gets in your nose or your nasal passages and up into your nose could be a potential risk,” said Dr. Carl Williams, state Public Health veterinarian. “I don’t want people to be afraid to go in the water, but I do think that people need to be aware that it is a possibility.”

Infections such as this are rare. There were 167 cases total in the last 60-plus years.

The investigation remains ongoing.

*While there is no way to eliminate this amoeba from the environment, safety measures include:

• Taking steps to prevent water going up your nose when taking part in warm freshwater-related activities. This could include holding your nose shut, using nose clips or keeping your head above water.
• Avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and thermal waters.
• Avoid jumping or diving in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.
• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas. 
• Only use distilled water for nasal rinsing.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s Naegleria fowleri webpage.

*North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

©2026 Cox Media Group