State health officials have concluded that a water feature in the outdoor green space of El Futuro, a nonprofit mental‑health organization in Durham, North Carolina, is the most likely source of the Naegleria fowleri infection that killed a 14‑year‑old teen in August 2024. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) report cites epidemiologic, laboratory and environmental findings that point to the clinic’s man‑made creek, pump and fountains as the probable exposure site.
Investigation timeline
According to the NCDHHS report, the teen is believed to have splashed water from the feature onto his face on August 13 while in the clinic’s outdoor area. He began experiencing severe headaches two days later and was admitted to an emergency department on August 21. After a second emergency‑room visit on August 22, health officials were notified of a suspected Naegleria fowleri case on August 23. The teenager died on August 31.
Following the notification, Durham County public‑health officials closed the water feature on August 28 to allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct testing. By early September, “Keep Out” signs and orange traffic cones were posted around the green space. Testing of water from the fountain’s storage tank revealed non‑viable Naegleria fowleri DNA, confirming the organism’s presence in the system.
Public health response
El Futuro released a statement expressing sorrow for the loss and confirming cooperation with health officials. The organization noted that the water feature had been closed since county officials first contacted them. Durham County Public Health Director Dr. Rodney Jenkins emphasized the rarity of such infections while noting the thoroughness of the response. He said the site was roped off, shut down and inspected, and that the organization complied with all directives.
State public‑health veterinarian Dr. Carl Williams advised the public to use nose clips when participating in activities that could involve warm freshwater, noting that any water entering the nasal passages can pose a risk for infection. He explained that Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic, single‑celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers and even soil.
The NCDHHS reported that, between 1962 and 2024, there have been 167 documented Naegleria infections nationwide, underscoring the exceptional rarity of the disease. Infection typically occurs when contaminated water is forced up the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain.
Understanding the pathogen
Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain‑eating” amoeba, can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a severe and frequently fatal brain infection. The organism is naturally present in warm freshwater environments, and outbreaks have been linked to activities such as swimming, diving or water‑related recreation where water can be inhaled.
Health officials highlighted that the water feature at El Futuro showed algal growth and organic material around its pump system, conditions that can support the survival of the amoeba. While the DNA detected was non‑viable, indicating that the organism was not alive at the time of testing, the presence of genetic material was sufficient to identify the site as the most likely exposure point.
Local resident Zamaya Strickland, a 14‑year‑old who lives nearby, described the green space as a regular gathering spot for children, noting that “there’s kids in the little pond, water fall every single day.” Her observations underscore the community’s familiarity with the feature prior to its closure.
Authorities continue to monitor the site and advise the public to avoid any contact with the water until further testing confirms that the risk has been eliminated. The investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous maintenance and monitoring of public water features, especially those that attract children and families.
Helene Elliott is the Lead Science & Space Reporter at News Raise. She reports on aerospace missions, astrophysics discoveries, quantum research, and environmental technology.
