Teen Dies from Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba | Lexington News

A North Carolina teenager has died from a rare, fatal brain infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, prompting an urgent investigation by state and federal health officials. The infection, triggered when contaminated freshwater entered the nose, is almost always deadly once symptoms appear — though it’s extremely rare, with fewer than ten U.S. deaths reported annually. This tragic case follows another recent fatality in Louisiana, raising concerns that warming temperatures may be expanding its reach. Health experts urge swimmers to avoid letting water enter their noses, use nose clips, and steer clear of disturbed warm freshwater during hot weather. The teen’s family launched a GoFundMe to cover medical costs, which had surpassed $9,000 of its $10,000 goal. 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.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/013eb5be995048d4