Family in shock after 12-year-old dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in lake

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

The family of a little boy was in shock after he tragically died from an infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a popular South Carolina lake.
Jaysen Carr, the 12-year-old boy who died after contracting Naegleria fowleri following a swim in Lake Murray in Columbia, was identified by his grieving family in a heartbreaking statement released Thursday, according to WIS News 10.
'Jaysen's family is grieving this unthinkable loss, but they are also grateful at the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community,' Tyler Bailey, the Carr's attorney, told the outlet.
'The family has many questions about how and why Jaysen died and wants to do everything in their power to ensure this doesn't happen to another family,' he added.
The middle schooler had gone swimming in Lake Murray, a popular recreational spot that was originally built to provide hydroelectric power to South Carolina and was once the largest man-made reservoir in the world.
Today, the lake draws tens of thousands of visitors with dozens of picturesque beaches and swimming spots, along with fishing and sailing activities.
Before Jaysen went swimming - one of his favorite pastimes - there had been no warnings about any bacterial contamination or dangerous organisms in the lake.
However, on July 7, he was tragically diagnosed with a Naegleria fowleri infection.
Jaysen, who died after contracting Naegleria fowleri following a swim in Lake Murray (pictured) in Columbia, South Carolina, was identified by his grieving family in a heartbreaking statement released Thursday
Naegleria fowleri is commonly called a brain-eating amoeba because it causes a brain infection that is typically fatal.
Official records show 164 people in the US were infected with the disease between 1962 and 2023, of which only four survived.
Following his diagnosis, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that Jaysen's likely exposure occurred at Lake Murray.
Jaysen was treated at Prisma Health Children's Hospital but he later died from complications related to the infection.
'Jaysen's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Prisma Health Children's Hospital - Midlands for their dedicated care and compassion for him and their entire family,' Bailey added to WIS 10 News.
'We ask for privacy at this time as the family prepares to lay their son to rest.'
Loved ones have since created a GoFundMe page to help Jaysen's family cope with the mounting and unexpected medical expenses.
In the fundraiser's description, Jaysen is remembered as a devoted son, loving brother, and loyal friend who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
In the GoFundMe description, Jaysen (pictured in white) is remembered as a devoted son, loving brother, and loyal friend who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him
'His kind heart and bright spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met,' the page reads.
'Jaysen bravely faced a tough medical battle, and while his strength inspired so many, the journey has left the Carr family with numerous unexpected expenses,' it added.
'As they navigate this heartbreaking loss, we want to come together to help ease their burden.'
As of Thursday evening, the fundraiser had raised $33,736 toward the family's $55,000 goal.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health emphasized that Naegleria fowleri is naturally found in nearly all warm freshwater bodies, but human infection remains extremely rare.
However, despite the recent tragedy, state officials maintained that this is not a wider public emergency.
Heartbreakingly, Jaysen's case marks the first Naegleria fowleri infection reported in South Carolina since 2016.
The US only suffers a handful of deaths from brain-eating amoebas each year, usually among people swimming in warm water lakes and rivers.
Texas is among the states that have suffered the largest burden of brain-eating amoeba cases, with 39 of the 164 cases recorded in the US occurring in the Lone Star state.
While Naegleria fowleri infections remain rare, there is concern that they may become more common due to climate change.
The single-cell organism, which thrives in warm waters, kills 97 percent of the people it infects as it causes a disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as PAM or amebic meningitis.
Initial symptoms include a headache, vomiting and nausea. A person can then suffer cognitive issues and a stiff neck as things progress.
It causes severe swelling, and eventually rotting, of the brain and spinal cord. This will almost always eventually lead to death.
There are no known effective treatments for PAM.
Only several Americans have ever survived after being infected with Naegleria fowleri. This includes Caleb Ziegelbauer from Florida, who was 13 years old at the time he was stricken by the microscopic species.
Caleb is now walking somewhat but the damage done to his brain means he needs to communicate with facial expressions and has to use a wheelchair.