Brain-Eating Amoeba Linked to Durham Water Feature | Durham News

A deadly brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has been traced to a water feature in Durham, North Carolina, likely causing the death of 17-year-old Moises Ponce Mendoza after water splashed into his nose. Though not 100% confirmed, health officials point to this site as the most probable source — and it’s now closed and tested positive for the rare, fatal infection. PAM, the illness caused by this amoeba, is almost always fatal, with rising temperatures possibly expanding its reach. Experts urge caution around warm freshwater: keep water from entering your nose, avoid submerging your head, and be wary of disturbed sediment. In a heartwarming show of community support, Moises’ GoFundMe has surpassed $14,000 — far beyond its original goal — as his family grieves and the public rallies around them. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/local/article317252929.html More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d07d3a414ad90f0b Report issues to [email protected].