By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
A North Carolina teenager has died after developing a rare infection caused by the brain‑eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. His mother, Monica Mendoza, identified him as Moises Ponce Mendoza through an online fundraiser.
State health officials said the teen had been critically ill and receiving medical care. In a statement Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed his death, saying he died on August 31 and offering condolences to his family and community.
The infection, called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, is extremely rare but usually fatal. It occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during exposure to warm freshwater. To protect yourself while swimming in warm freshwater, keep your head above the surface and avoid diving or jumping in. Always wear nose clips or pinch your nose shut if you go underwater. Stay out of hot springs and avoid stirring up mud in shallow water, health officials advised.
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