North Carolina teen dies from rare brain-eating amoeba

A 17-year-old from Burlington, North Carolina, named Moises Ponce Mendoza, has died after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba. Health experts note that this specific illness is seen in fewer than 10 cases annually.

Mendoza’s family is currently seeking answers regarding the source of his exposure. His mother, Monica Mendoza, reported that after initially being treated at Alamance Regional Medical Center, his condition deteriorated significantly, leading to a transfer to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. He subsequently fell into a coma and passed away.

The family, who noted Mendoza's love for soccer and swimming, remains uncertain about how the infection occurred, noting they frequently visited various lakes and pools.