North Carolina teen critically ill from rare brain-eating amoeba found in freshwater, officials say

A central North Carolina teen is critically ill with a rare amoeba-related brain infection. Naegleria fowleri, the microscopic organism responsible for the infection, is primarily found in warm freshwater and soil, but also hot springs, improperly chlorinated pool water, improperly treated tap water, and, in lower concentrations, even cooler freshwaters.