Latest news with #Naegleria
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Family of Boy Who Died From Brain Eating Amoeba Speak Out
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The family of a 12-year-old boy who died after contracting a rare and deadly brain-eating amoeba in a South Carolina lake has come forward with a public statement, expressing heartbreak and urging others to be aware of the risk. Newsweek contacted the South Carolina Department of Public Health and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases via email for comment on Friday. The Context Jaysen Carr, from South Carolina, died on July 18 after being exposed to Naegleria fowleri while swimming in Lake Murray. The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of this rare but deadly amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater during the summer. The Carr's attorney, Tyler Bailey, released a statement on Thursday, as reported by South Carolina news outlet 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," the statement read. "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. "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. We ask for privacy at this time as the family prepares to lay their son to rest." Carr was a student at Hand Middle School in Columbia, Bailey said. Jaysen Carr who died on July 18, 2025, after being exposed to a deadly brain eating amoeba. Jaysen Carr who died on July 18, 2025, after being exposed to a deadly brain eating amoeba. GoFundMe/ Support the Carr Family in Memory of Jaysen What to Know This marks the first reported case of Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016, as per WIS News 10. Across the United States, only 167 cases have been documented over the past 62 years. As reported by Newsweek, Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, usually while swimming or diving. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are rare—only a handful of cases are reported annually in the U.S.—but most result in death. The CDC advises that "Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs around the world. In very rare cases, Naegleria fowleri has been found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and other recreational venues." The amoeba has also been found in tap water. Once in the body, if water containing the ameba goes up the nose, it can travel to the brain, causing an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a fast-acting and nearly always fatal brain infection. Symptoms, which resemble meningitis (headache, fever, nausea), typically appear within a few days and worsen rapidly. Public health experts are urging caution during the summer, as warmer temperatures and increased freshwater recreation can raise the risk of exposure. While health officials announced that they presume the amoeba in this fatal case of Naegleria fowleri, or brain-eating amoeba, to have come from Lake Murray, the lake does not have a higher risk of infection compared to other freshwater bodies of water, The State reports. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to support Jaysen's family. So far, $36,482 has been raised, with the highest donation being $10,000. What People Are Saying Rachel Hammond, on behalf of Ebony Carr, on the family's GoFundMe page, about Jaysen: "He was an incredible son, a devoted brother, and a true friend to everyone who knew him. His kind heart and bright spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met. The S.C. Department of Public Health told The State in an email: "There is not an elevated risk associated with Lake Murray. We expect Naegleria fowleri to be present in any body of warm, fresh water in the United States; however, the risk of infection is very low." What Happens Next Public health officials have issued guidance for freshwater recreation during the summer months, including wearing nose clips in the water. For more information on Naegleria fowleri and how to stay safe, visit the CDC's website at
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Family in shock after 12-year-old dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in lake
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.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Brain-eating amoeba outbreaks in the US: The first signs you should never ignore
South Carolina's Prisma Health Children's Hospital has reported its first confirmed case of a fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. The hospital announced on Tuesday that the infected patient has died. Although infections are extremely rare, understanding how they occur and recognizing the early warning signs is important. What is Naegleria fowleri? Commonly referred to as a brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic, single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments. Although several species of Naegleria exist, only the fowleri species is known to cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but almost always fatal brain infection. The amoeba poses a risk only when infected water enters the nose. From there, it can travel to the brain and cause PAM. However, drinking water with N. fowleri does not lead to infection. It was first discovered in 1956 and initially identified in Australia. N. fowleri is now known to occur naturally in parts of the U.S., especially in southern states. The organism typically measures between 8 to 15 micrometers and survives by feeding on bacteria. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Under unfavorable conditions, it transforms into a dormant cyst. In warm, nutrient-rich water, it becomes active and potentially dangerous. Where is it found? This organism thrives in warm, freshwater environments, typically in water temperatures up to 115°F. Thus, it can be found in lakes and ponds during summer, warm, slow-moving rivers, mud puddles, hot springs, poorly maintained swimming pools or spas, untreated well or municipal water, and aquariums. Naegleria fowleri cannot survive in saltwater or in properly chlorinated pools and municipal water systems. Although rare, there have been cases where the amoeba was found in tap water, particularly in systems with inadequate treatment or maintenance. Warning signs and symptoms PAM symptoms usually appear within one to 12 days after exposure. Early signs may mimic viral meningitis and include: severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and loss of appetite. As the infection progresses, more severe neurological symptoms can develop: Confusion or altered mental status Hallucinations Seizures Loss of balance or coordination Coma Drooping eyelids or blurred vision Loss of sense of taste or smell The disease advances quickly. In most cases, it leads to coma and death within five days of the onset of symptoms. Fatalities usually occur within 1 to 18 days. According to the CDC, fewer than 10 cases are reported in the U.S. each year. However, the fatality rate is extremely high — out of 167 cases documented between 1962 and 2024, only four patients survived.
News18
04-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Brain-Eating Amoeba In Pools And Tanks? What You Should Know This Monsoon
Last Updated: Naegleria fowleri is a free‑living amoeba that thrives in ponds, lakes, slow‑moving rivers, poorly chlorinated swimming pools, and even domestic water storage. Find out more When the monsoon lashes India each year, it leaves behind more than swollen rivers and traffic snarls. Warm, rain‑fed pools and half‑chlorinated overhead tanks become breeding grounds for Naegleria fowleri—the so‑called 'brain‑eating amoeba". The microscopic organism causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease so rare that most doctors never see a case—but so lethal it kills over 95%of those infected. With July 2025 rainfall already above normal in some states, public‑health officials are warning residents to stay vigilant around warm fresh water. Let's understand Naegleria fowleri's ecology, how it shows up in India, and – most importantly – how to stay safe. What Exactly Is Naegleria fowleri? Naegleria fowleri is a free‑living amoeba that thrives in warm fresh water—ponds, lakes, slow‑moving rivers, thermal springs, poorly chlorinated swimming pools, and even domestic water storage. It has three life stages: • Cyst (dormant, resilient to cold) • Trophozoite (feeding form, infectious) • Flagellate (motile form that seeks new environments) Human infection occurs when contaminated water is forced up the nose, typically during swimming, ritual ablution, or vigorous douching. The amoeba travels along the olfactory nerve, crosses the cribriform plate, and attacks brain tissue. Warmer Water Temperatures As per the India Meteorological Data (IMD), average surface temperatures in ponds and reservoirs across the Gangetic plain now hover around 32-34 °C during July—prime conditions for Naegleria fowleri. Urban Water‑Storage Habits Many Indian households store water in rooftop tanks or underground sumps that are rarely cleaned. A 2024 National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) survey in Delhi and Jaipur found 42% of domestic tanks had free‑chlorine levels below WHO's recommended 0.5 mg/L, creating a safe haven for the amoeba. In Kerala 2023, an 11‑year‑old girl from Alappuzha died after swimming in a canal; lab tests confirmed Naegleria. Last year in Ahmedabad, municipal workers detected the amoeba in an apartment‑complex pool during routine checks; no fatalities, but the episode triggered fresh chlorination rules. In May in Mumbai, a 17‑year‑old boy succumbed at a suburban hospital after using a gym spa pool that tested positive for Naegleria. Although fewer than 20 Indian cases have been confirmed since records began, under‑reporting is likely because PAM symptoms resemble common viral meningitis and diagnostic PCR tests are limited to NIV Pune and a handful of state labs. How Does India Monitor Naegleria? Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): PAM is a notifiable disease since 2022; district hospitals must report suspected cases within 24 hours. Routine Water Sampling: Municipal corporations in major metros now test public pools monthly for free‑chlorine residuals and thermophilic amoebae. Hospital Alerts: NCDC has issued standard operating procedures for early lumbar‑puncture and CSF PCR testing when meningitis does not respond to antibiotics within 24 hours. What's The Treatment? The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an aggressive cocktail of intravenous amphotericin B, rifampicin, fluconazole, azithromycin, and miltefosine, plus targeted hypothermia to reduce brain swelling. India's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) imported miltefosine in 2016 after the first Kerala case and stocks it through central medical stores. Still, treatment success worldwide is limited; of more than 430 documented cases, only about 20 survivors exist. Precautions You Should Take Avoid forceful water entry into nose: Don't dive or dunk in warm/standing fresh water. While bathing infants, avoid splashing water up their nostrils. Use chlorinated water for nasal rinses: For neti‑pot or jal‑neti practice, boil water (rolling boil 1 minute) and cool or use distilled/RO water. Maintain domestic tanks & pools: Clean storage tanks every three months; keep free chlorine ≥ 0.5 mg/L. Apartment associations should test pool water weekly in July–September. Public pool etiquette: Check if pool management displays daily chlorine readings. Avoid swimming if water is cloudy or the deck smells musty. Seek immediate care for Meningitis‑like symptoms: If severe headache and fever follow recent swimming, insist on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) testing and mention Naegleria to your doctor. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : brain-eating amoeba India monsoon Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 03, 2025, 17:05 IST News india Brain-Eating Amoeba In Pools And Tanks? What You Should Know This Monsoon
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Contaminated water deepens health crisis
The supply of contaminated water in Karachi and across Sindh has become a serious public health concern, affecting millions of people each year not only through stomach diseases but also through skin and eye ailments. According to medical experts, more than 50,000 children and adults die every year due to water-borne illnesses in Pakistan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 70 per cent of diseases in the country stem from the use of polluted water. In Karachi alone, approximately 20,000 children die every year from various illnesses linked to unsafe water. Dr Shumail Zia, a skin specialist, noted a significant rise in fungal skin infections due to contaminated water, especially tinea corporis, folliculitis, and eczema; conditions which are exacerbated by the high salt content in polluted water. "There is an urgent need to raise public awareness about the health risks associated with using contaminated water, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where access to clean water is limited. Contaminated water contains various bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, and toxins that severely damage the skin. When such water comes into direct contact with the skin, whether during bathing or washing, it can trigger a range of skin disorders including fungal and bacterial infections, impetigo, cellulitis, scabies, and dermatitis," said Dr Zia, who advised people to always use clean water, maintain hygiene, avoid self-medication on affected skin, and consult a dermatologist when symptoms appear. Similarly, Dr Zia Iqbal, an ophthalmologist, revealed that the use of contaminated water was equally dangerous for the eyes. "When bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other harmful components present in contaminated water come into direct or indirect contact with the eyes, various types of eye diseases can develop. Some of these diseases are superficial, such as conjunctivitis, which cause temporary discomfort, while some diseases, such as trachoma or corneal ulcers, can cause permanent vision loss. Lack of public awareness, failure to follow hygiene rules, and limited access to health facilities further increase the spread of these diseases," highlighted Dr Iqbal. It is worth noting that most of the water filtration plants of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) have been in a state of disrepair since decades. Due to an inadequate amount of chlorine in the water, deadly water-borne diseases like Naegleria are on the rise with each passing year. In this regard, People's Labour Union General Secretary Mohsin Raza confirmed that the KW&SC had nine filter plants, out of which only three were in working condition, while the remaining six were in disrepair since many years. "For 645 million gallons of water, 240 cylinders of chlorine should be available monthly, but only 150 cylinders are being supplied. Hence, 40 per cent less chlorine is being mixed. Due to a lack of water, the filter plant of the NEK Old Pump House has dried up, and chlorine cannot be added to a dry place. Water without chlorine is also coming from another side to the NEK pumping station, which is from the K3 system. Hence, water without chlorine is supplied to the public," said Raza.
