North Carolina Teen Battles 95% Fatal Brain Amoeba Infection as US Reports Fewer Than 10 Cases Yearly
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · Aug 28
North Carolina Teen Battles 95% Fatal Brain Amoeba Infection as US Reports Fewer Than 10 Cases Yearly
3 articles · Updated · WRAL News · Aug 28
Summary
North Carolina health officials said a central North Carolina teenager is critically ill with primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
Naegleria fowleri infects people when contaminated warm freshwater is forced up the nose during activities such as diving or jumping; officials did not disclose where the teen was exposed.
The disease progresses rapidly from headache, fever, nausea and vomiting to stiff neck, seizures and coma, and is usually fatal within about five days after symptoms begin.
Fewer than 10 US cases are typically reported each year, but doctors say mortality exceeds 95% and infections become more likely during long hot spells as water warms and levels drop.
State officials urged swimmers in lakes, rivers and ponds to keep water out of their noses, avoid diving into warm freshwater and not disturb bottom sediment.