# Brain-eating amoeba traced to mental health facility's creek

> A man-made water feature at a Durham mental health center was the source of a rare infection that killed a teenager.
- Title: Brain-eating amoeba traced to mental health facility's creek
- Summary: A man-made water feature at a Durham mental health center was the source of a rare infection that killed a teenager. A therapeutic garden's poorly maintained…
- Keywords: naegleria fowleri, brain-eating amoeba, durham north carolina, el futuro, moises ponce mendoza, water contamination, mental health facility, public health, water safety, teen death, news, local
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/brain-eating-amoeba-killed-nc-teen-linked-water-feature-tied-man-made-creek-durham-mental-health-facility/19839762
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:12:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: naegleria fowleri, brain-eating amoeba, durham north carolina, el futuro, moises ponce mendoza, water contamination, mental health facility, public health, water safety, teen death, news, local
## Teen dies from rare brain infection
A 17-year-old boy died after contracting Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. State investigators traced the infection to a man-made creek at a Durham mental health center.
## Water feature at El Futuro identified
The man-made creek outside El Futuro, a community-based mental health center, was where the teen was exposed to the amoeba. The facility described the outdoor space as a therapeutic garden and gathering place.
## Amoeba found in multiple water samples
The Centers for Disease Control tested samples from the fountain's storage tank, rocks, and a fire hydrant at El Futuro. All tested positive for Naegleria fowleri.
## Maintenance failed to prevent infection
El Futuro maintained the water feature through chlorine treatments and power washing with a recirculating system. State officials said the water feature was not effectively disinfected.
## Facility lacked required permits
The Durham County Health Department revealed that El Futuro never completed the required application, evaluation, and permitting process for the water feature. The creek was closed on August 28.
## Community questions future safety
A Durham County Health Department sign marks the closure, but no fence prevents entry. Residents are asking what precautions will prevent similar incidents at other community water features.

> I am curious what precautions are being done to prevent events like this in the future.
## El Futuro commits to cooperation
The facility said its hearts are broken for the teen and his family, and it will fully cooperate with public health officials. Officials have not announced when or if the creek will reopen.

> Our hearts are broken for the young boy who lost his life and for his family.
## Key takeaway

A therapeutic garden's poorly maintained water feature exposed a teen to a deadly brain-eating amoeba, raising questions about water safety oversight at community facilities.