A rare brain infection has left a teenager critically ill. The infection is caused by an amoeba and is typically fatal. Fewer than 10 people in the US contract this infection each year.

The infection is known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. It is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Further details about the teenager's case are not available to protect their privacy, but health officials have expressed sympathy for the family and loved ones during this difficult time.