Story perspectives

Durham Teen Dies After Suspected Naegleria fowleri Exposure

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 3:30 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina health officials say a Durham County water feature likely infected a teen with Naegleria fowleri.
The teen splashed water on his face at the El Futuro garden water feature on Aug. 13.
He was hospitalized on Aug. 22 after two days of severe headaches and nausea.
The teen died on Aug. 31 despite medical treatment.
Durham County closed the feature on Aug. 28 and CDC testing found non-viable N. fowleri DNA.

1 of 1

Story summary

North Carolina health officials say a Durham County water feature likely infected a teen with Naegleria fowleri.
The teen splashed water on his face at the El Futuro garden water feature on Aug. 13.
He was hospitalized on Aug. 22 after two days of severe headaches and nausea.
The teen died on Aug. 31 despite medical treatment.
Durham County closed the feature on Aug. 28 and CDC testing found non-viable N. fowleri DNA.