Twelve-year-old Jaysen Carr died in South Carolina after being exposed to Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba, while swimming in Lake Murray, according to his family.
WIS News 10 reports this is the first confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri in the state since 2016. Nationally, only 167 cases have been documented over the past 62 years.
Family attorney Tyler Bailey shared the following statement, as reported by 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 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.”
Bailey also posted a message through his law firm’s Facebook page:
“Jaysen was a bright and beloved student at Hand Middle School. His loss is unimaginable, and our hearts are with his family as they grieve their son and search for answers.”
Infection Rare, Health Officials Say
Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s State Epidemiologist, emphasized that the infection remains extremely rare, with only about 10 cases reported in the U.S. each year.
“This really indicates that recreational water activities for the general public are actually quite safe,” Dr. Bell said.
She added that while there are precautions swimmers should take, the rarity of such cases shows that most warm bodies of water do not present a significant threat.
“We do recommend that people observe certain safe swimming behaviors. There are certain things that can increase the risk, but as we know, people participate in swimming, water skiing, diving, all sorts of things. And the fact that this is so rare in the United States tells us that these warm bodies of water do not pose a significant threat for this particular organism.”
On July 7, Carr was diagnosed with the rare and typically deadly infection, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. While officials suspect the exposure occurred in Lake Murray, they acknowledged they couldn’t be completely certain, as the amoeba occurs naturally in many warm freshwater sources.
“There is no elevated risk associated with Lake Murray as compared to any other warm freshwater body,” the department said in a statement shared with People.
They urged the public to understand how infection occurs and take precautions.
“To protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to know how and when exposure could lead to infection. How exposure occurs is when water forcefully enters the nose. When the amoeba is most active is in the months the water temperature stays above 77°F – July, August, September. To reduce the risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri, hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water and avoid jumping or diving into fresh water.”
According to the CDC, Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Infections are almost always fatal. When exposed, the amoeba infects the brain, leading to primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Community Rallies Behind Jaysen’s Family
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the Carr family has already raised over $55,000, with a goal of reaching $70,000.
“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. As they navigate this heartbreaking loss, we want to come together to help ease their burden,” the fundraiser description reads.
It continues:
“Please consider donating to support the Carr family during this devastating time. Your generosity will help cover expenses and give them space to grieve without the added weight of financial stress. Every donation, share, and prayer means the world.”
Leave a Reply