Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJulia MustoMonday 31 August 2026 16:06 BSTBrain-eating amoeba: How safe is the tap water in your home?A North Carolina teenager is critically ill after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba.The amoeba causes a severe brain infection that is fatal in 97 % of cases, usually leading to death within five days.State health officials are investigating the source of exposure while withholding the patient's identity to protect family privacy.The case follows the recent death of an 8-year-old Louisiana girl who likely contracted the amoeba while swimming in a lake.Health experts warn that Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater during summer heat waves and infects individuals when water goes up the nose.In fullNorth Carolina teen critically ill after being infected with rare brain-eating amoebaMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in