North Carolina Health Officials Identify Likely Source of Rare Brain Infection

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has released findings from a public health investigation into a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba found in warm freshwater. While not conclusively determined, the investigation suggests a water feature at a community-based organization in Durham was the most likely source of exposure for a previously reported case. The water feature was closed in August 2026 and subsequently tested positive for the amoeba.