A 12-year-old boy from South Carolina has tragically died after contracting a rare and almost always fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, health officials confirmed this week.
The child, identified as Jaysen Carr, reportedly became ill shortly after swimming in Lake Murray, a popular freshwater lake just west of Columbia. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) stated that the infection was likely contracted during recreational water activity earlier this month.
Jaysen passed away on July 18 at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands, despite intensive medical efforts.
A Rare Yet Devastating Organism
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba that lives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly chlorinated pools. It becomes dangerous only when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, usually during activities like diving or water sports.
Once inside the body, the amoeba travels to the brain, causing Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)—a swift and devastating infection that destroys brain tissue. Most patients die within days of the first symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only four known survivors have been recorded in the U.S. out of over 160 cases since 1962.
Timeline of the Tragedy
- Early July: Jaysen swam in Lake Murray, which health officials say was likely the source of exposure.
- A few days later: He began experiencing symptoms that resembled meningitis — severe headache, fever, nausea, and confusion.
- Hospitalization: He was rushed to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, where doctors worked around the clock to manage the infection.
- July 18: Despite best efforts, Jaysen succumbed to the illness.
No Immediate Public Threat, Officials Say
In a statement, Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s State Epidemiologist, clarified that the case is an isolated incident and does not pose a wider public health risk.
“Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare. This organism does not spread from person to person and is not found in treated drinking water,” Dr. Bell said.
She emphasized that recreational water activities in natural freshwater bodies remain generally safe, especially when precautions are followed.
Safety Tips: How to Reduce Risk
Though rare, infections can be prevented with simple safety practices, particularly during the hot summer months when water temperatures rise:
- Avoid jumping or diving into warm freshwater, especially during summer.
- Keep your head above water when swimming in lakes and rivers.
- Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when underwater.
- Avoid disturbing sediment in shallow, warm freshwater.
- Use only boiled or sterile water for nasal rinsing or neti pots.
The amoeba cannot infect people if swallowed — only if it enters through the nasal passages.
The Face Behind the Story
Jaysen Carr was a rising 7th grader at Hand Middle School, remembered by his teachers and peers as a bright, gentle, and curious child who loved science and football.
His family, overwhelmed with grief, has received an outpouring of community support. A GoFundMe campaign created to assist with medical and funeral expenses has already raised more than $35,000.
“Jaysen had the biggest smile in any room. He was loved by everyone,” wrote his mother, Tierra Carr, in a heartfelt statement. “We are devastated, but grateful for the love our community has shown.”
A Call for Awareness, Not Panic
This is the first confirmed death from Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016, and only the second case in state history.
Health experts stress that while the infection is horrifying, its statistical likelihood remains extremely low — with just 3 to 5 U.S. cases reported annually, mostly in Southern states with warm climates.
Still, awareness can make a difference.
“We want families to enjoy lakes and rivers — but to do so smartly,” said Dr. Bell. “Education saves lives.”
Research and Hope on the Horizon
Medical researchers across the U.S., including teams at Clemson University and Emory, are studying experimental treatments that might improve survival in future cases. While no cure exists, recent survivors were treated with a combination of antifungal drugs and induced hypothermia — slowing the brain’s metabolism to limit damage.
Doctors hope that with faster diagnosis, new treatment strategies, and public education, future infections may not be a death sentence.
Bottom Line
- This is a rare and tragic case, not a widespread outbreak.
- Simple steps — like avoiding warm, still freshwater entering the nose — can dramatically reduce the already low risk.
- Public health officials continue to monitor South Carolina’s freshwater bodies and educate residents.
Jaysen’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change — and how vital it is to stay informed, even about the rarest threats.