Teen dies from ‘brain-eating amoeba’ just days after young girl succumbs to same rare infection

A North Carolina teenager has died from a rare and often fatal infection caused by an amoeba found in warm freshwater, state health officials said.

In a GoFundMe set up by the teen’s mother, she shared that his first symptom was "severe headaches." "I never imagined that something like this could be so serious," she said.

BEACHGOERS WARNED AFTER DEADLY 'FLESH-EATING' BACTERIA KILLS 5 IN SOUTHERN STATE The illness is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba (one-celled living organism) that inhabits ponds, lakes and rivers.

"We extend our condolences to the family, friends and community impacted by this loss," the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement obtained by news outlets.

The teen’s death was reported just days after an 8-year-old girl in Louisiana succumbed to the infection.

"While these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that this amoeba is present in our state and across the U.S.," State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., said in a prior statement.

"There are steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection while swimming during the warmer months." DOCTORS THOUGHT MAN HAD BRAIN CANCER — THEY FOUND LIVE TAPEWORMS INSTEAD Naegleria fowleri — commonly referred to as a "brain-eating amoeba" — causes a life-threatening brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

The amoeba is most active in the months that the water temperature stays elevated.

"It's typically this time of year when it's very hot outside, when there hasn't been a lot of rain … and the lakes and ponds get pretty stagnant and get very warm, and that's a great breeding ground for these type of natural inhabitants of those waters," Dr.

Jeffrey Kahn, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UT Southwestern and Children's Health in Dallas, Texas, told Fox News Digital.

The infection can occur when water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain.

This can occur when someone jumps or dives into the water or participates in water sports.

"Once that happens, it's nearly a lethal disease," Kahn warned.

"The mortality rate is close to 100%." Naegleria fowleri does not cause illness via swallowing.