Teenager in North Carolina Hospitalized with Rare Brain Infection

A teenager in Central North Carolina is in critical condition due to an uncommon brain infection linked to an amoeba typically found in warm freshwater. This case was revealed on Thursday, but as of Friday afternoon, details about how the teen may have contracted the infection, or if the water source is still in use, haven’t been disclosed to the public.

WRAL reached out to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for information regarding potential exposure sources and whether the suspected water area is still active. They also inquired about the state’s efforts to inform families about related risks.

NCDHHS stated, “We are working closely with our federal partners at the CDC and local health departments to identify all potential sources linked to this Naegleria fowleri case.”

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba that thrives in hot freshwater environments like lakes, ponds, and rivers. The organism can lead to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which occurs when the contaminated water enters through the nose, traveling to the brain. The infection advances quickly and is often fatal.

According to the DHHS, this amoeba cannot be eradicated from its natural habitats, and testing water to ascertain safety isn’t straightforward. Joe Brown, a researcher from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, pointed out that current testing methods are complicated, costly, and require specialized lab equipment. Unfortunately, testing for this organism isn’t typically included in regular water quality checks.

Brown and his colleagues are exploring the development of quicker and more affordable testing alternatives.

“Our goal is to create an inexpensive $20 test for Naegleria fowleri that can yield results in just a couple of hours,” Brown explained in a recent interview.

This kind of test could eventually enhance researchers’ and public health officials’ understanding of the amoeba’s presence, helping to pinpoint areas of high concentration. However, this research is still at an early phase.

Debra Moffat’s experience illustrates the critical need for better testing options. She lost her 6-year-old son, Aven, to PAM in 2021 after he swam in freshwater on private property. Moffat shared that after Aven fell ill, her family requested state testing of the water, but the response was to assume the presence of Naegleria fowleri in freshwater in general.

However, she understands the limitations of a single test result. Variations in water conditions, due to factors like temperature or rainfall, can mean that a water sample taken one day may not accurately represent risks later.

This brings Moffat to advocate for greater public awareness around these dangers.

“We thought we were pretty well-informed, but we had no clue about this amoeba,” Moffat reflected. “If we had known, I would never have allowed my child near fresh water.”

Brown concurs that improving education is crucial for minimizing risks, suggesting that when people are informed, they can adjust their interactions with warm freshwater.

The DHHS provides the following recommendations for swimmers:

• Use nose clips or maintain a position with heads above water to prevent freshwater from entering the nose.
• Avoid jumping or diving into warm freshwater during high temperatures and low water levels.
• Don’t disturb sediment in shallow, warm freshwater.

It is important to note that individuals do not contract Naegleria fowleri through consuming contaminated water; the risk arises when the water enters through the nose.

Since Aven’s passing, his family has launched Amazing Aven’s Quest for Amoeba Awareness. Moffat noted that the nonprofit has raised over $1.2 million for initiatives focusing on education, research, early diagnosis, and potential treatments.

With another family in North Carolina facing a similar rare infection, Moffat emphasizes that raising awareness remains one of the few resources available for families.

“Families deserve to be aware of the risks associated with freshwater,” she said. “You can only act on what you know.”