A teenager from central North Carolina is critically ill with an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that lives in warm freshwater and can destroy brain tissue, state health officials announced Thursday. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the source of the case is under investigation and released no identifying information to protect the family's privacy.
"Our hearts go out to this teen's family, friends and loved ones," State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said. He described these infections as very rare while noting that the amoeba is present in North Carolina and across the United States.
