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.

IN FULL

North Carolina teen critically ill after being infected ​with rare brain-eating amoeba