BURLINGTON — A Burlington family is seeking answers after a 17‑year‑old boy died following an infection from a rare brain‑eating amoeba, relatives said in media interviews this week.
Local care, rapid deterioration
The teen, identified by relatives as Moises Ponce Mendoza, was initially seen at Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington, where the family says he was sent home with medication. When his condition worsened, he was taken to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, where he later died after entering a coma.
Family members described a sudden and severe change in the youth's behaviour in the days before his death, including intense pain and agitation. In Spanish‑language media, his mother described watching him scream and clutch his head before losing consciousness.
"How am I going to live with this void? I come home, and he's not there,"
The family said he was known for his love of soccer and spending time with friends. Relatives told reporters they frequently swam in a variety of places — "lakes, pools, many places" — and are urging officials to determine where the exposure occurred so others can be protected.
Public‑health context
Health experts note the illness is extremely rare; the report said it occurs in fewer than 10 cases a year in general. The family has asked health authorities to investigate possible sites of exposure.
- Initial treatment: seen at Alamance Regional Medical Center and discharged with medication.
- Worsening symptoms: family sought care at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill.
- Outcome: the teen entered a coma and subsequently died.
| Detail | From family report |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 |
| Initial hospital | Alamance Regional Medical Center (Burlington) |
| Transferred to | UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill) |
| Frequency of illness | < 10 cases a year (as reported) |
The family’s plea centres on identifying where the teen may have been exposed so that public‑health steps can be taken if needed. They asked that authorities "pay close attention" to find the source, saying that will help protect others.
InfoRadar will monitor any official updates from health authorities about the investigation or guidance for the public.
