Family issue statement after 12
12-Year-Old Dies From Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba
A South Carolina boy, 12-year-old Jaysen Carr, died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri while swimming in Lake Murray.
The infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), occurs when contaminated water enters the nose.
According to the CDC, the amoeba “lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs.”
Only four survivors have been recorded among 167 U.S. cases since 1962.
Jaysen’s father, Clarence Carr, said, “We do not want this to happen to anyone else.
We’re here to raise public awareness.” His mother, Ebony, added,
“There needs to definitely be some awareness about it… had we known, he wouldn’t have been in it.”
A GoFundMe describes Jaysen as “an incredible son, a devoted brother and a true friend.”
The fundraiser has raised over $58,000 to support his grieving family.
