Dad of boy, 12, who died from infection after swimming calls for more warnings

The heartbroken parents of a 12-year-old boy who tragically died from a rare brain-eating amoeba after swimming at a lake have urged officials to issue more warnings about the lethal infection.

Jaysen Carr lost his life nearly two weeks after he spent the Fourth of July swimming and boating in Lake Murray, situated west of Columbia. Upon returning from their day out at the lake, his parents revealed that the boy began complaining of a headache and feeling sick. He was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away on July 18.

His devastated dad, Clarence Carr, has demanded increased awareness about the infection after discovering that South Carolina lacks any legislation mandating public reporting of deaths or infections caused by the amoeba. It comes after a man claimed 'I lost 10st in a year without jabs, surgery or going to the gym'.

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"I can't believe we don't have our son. The result of him being a child was losing his life. That does not sit well. And I am terrified it will happen to someone else," Carr told The Associated Press, reports the Mirror US.

The deadly amoeba had reportedly infiltrated Carr's brain through his nose during his swim in the lake, leading to an infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Also referred to as Naegleria fowleri, this single-celled organism thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs, according to the CDC.

It has the potential to infect the brain and obliterate brain tissue. While brain infections caused by the amoeba are extremely rare, they are almost always fatal, warn health authorities Between 1962 and 2024, there were 167 reported cases of PAM in the US, with only four survivors.

In a fundraiser, his loved ones said: "His kind heart and bright spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met. 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."

South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) addressed the tragedy and said he was likely exposed to the bacteria at Lake Murray, reports Mail Online. It has been reported that 164 people in the US contracted the infection between 1962 and 2023. Official records state that only four survived.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Cognitive issues
• Muscle ache such as a stiff neck
• Severe swelling

To donate to the fundraiser, visit here.