DURHAM, N.C. (WCTI) — A water feature at a Durham, North Carolina, community organization was the most likely exposure source in a fatal Naegleria fowleri infection involving a teenager, state health officials said in a new investigation.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said investigators could not conclusively determine where the teen was exposed. However, the teen had contact with the water feature during the likely exposure period, including splashing water on their face.
Durham County health officials closed the feature Aug. 28. Testing later confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the site remains closed to the public.
NCDHHS first announced the case Aug. 27, when the teen was critically ill and receiving medical care. The teen died Aug. 31, according to the agency. Officials have not released further details to protect the family’s privacy…