A 12-year-old boy named Jaysen Carr passed away in South Carolina after coming into contact with Naegleria fowleri while swimming in Lake Murray, according to his family.
WIS News 10 reports that this is the first incidence of Naegleria fowleri in the state since 2016. In the last 62 years, only 167 cases have been reported across the nation.
Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer, made the following announcement, 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. 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 added a second statement on his law firm’s Facebook site, stating, “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.”
Dr. Linda Bell, a South Carolina State Epidemiologist, told WIS News 10 that there should not be widespread concern about Carr’s diagnosis because there are only 10 cases of the infection each year. She said that this “really indicates that recreational water activities for the general public are actually quite safe.”
She continued, saying, “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.”
Earlier last week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health informed People that Carr was diagnosed on July 7 with the uncommon and frequently fatal infection. Although the organization stated that they suspected the exposure happened in Lake Murray, they acknowledged that it “cannot be completely certain as this organism occurs naturally and is present in many warm water lakes, rivers, and streams.”
“There is no elevated risk associated with Lake Murray as compared to any other warm freshwater body,” the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in a statement provided to People.
“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 77F – 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,” the statement read.
The CDC identifies Naegleria fowleri as a “free-living ameba, a kind of one-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs.” Contracting an infection from the organism is “nearly always fatal.”
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When exposed to the organism, the brain became infected with primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
A GoFundMe page was just created for the family. It has already received over $55,000 in donations at the time of publication. Organizers hope to raise at least $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,” a description on the fundraiser reads.
It continued: “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.”
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