Teen critically ill after contracting rare brain-eating amoeba often found in freshwater

• A North Carolina teenager is critically ill after contracting Naegleria fowleri , a rare brain-eating amoeba .
• The amoeba causes a severe brain infection that is fatal in 97 % of cases, usually leading to death within five days.
• State health officials are investigating the source of exposure while withholding the patient's identity to protect family privacy.
• The case follows the recent death of an 8-year-old Louisiana girl who likely contracted the amoeba while swimming in a lake.
• Health experts warn that Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater during summer heat waves and infects individuals when water goes up the nose.

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