Columbia, S.C.The family has made public the identity of Jaysen Carr, a 12-year-old South Carolina kid who attended Columbia’s Hand Middle School, who unfortunately passed away after catching the uncommon brain-eating amoebain Lake Murray.
After being exposed to Naegleria fowleri, a tiny bacterium that may cause severe brain infections when water enters the nose, the infant died on July 18. Public health officials said that Jaysen’s death is the first case in South Carolina since 2016.
Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer, issued the official statement on Thursday.
Family Seeks Answers and Awareness
In addition to mourning this unimaginable loss, Jaysen’s family is thankful for the community’s overwhelming love and support, Bailey added. The family wants to do all within their power to prevent this from happening to another family because they have a lot of questions regarding how and why Jaysen died.
The family thanked the medical personnel at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands in the statement, praising their kindness and commitment during the terrible experience.
As they get ready to bury Jaysen, the Carr family has asked for privacy.
Health Officials Emphasize Rarity of Infection
Although Naegleria fowlerii is present in many warm freshwater settings, infections are still relatively uncommon, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
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This is
only the first case reported in South Carolina since 2016
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Nationwide, there have been just
167 cases in 62 years
According to state officials, this is a tragic, isolated incidence that emphasizes the need for water safety education rather than a public health concern.
What Is Naegleria Fowleri?
A frequent name for the brain-eating amoeba is Naegleria fowleriis. People usually contract it when tainted water gets into their noses, which frequently happens when swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers.
The amoeba can enter the bloodstream and spread to the brain, where it can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing and almost usually lethal brain illness.
Although the infection is uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observes that it spreads quickly and that its initial symptoms frequently mimic those of meningitis or flu-like illnesses.
Community Fundraiser and Support
To help the Carr family with funeral fees and other associated costs, a GoFundMe campaign has been started. The Columbia community has already shown strong support for the campaign, with condolences coming from strangers, classmates, and neighbors alike.
According to the page, Jaysen was a good-hearted and honest student who touched many people’s lives before his life was sadly taken way too soon.
Have you ever gone swimming in Lake Murray or other freshwater bodies in the summer with your family? What safety measures do you follow? Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to express your opinions and contribute to awareness-raising.
