A 12-year-old boy tragically passed away after contracting a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in a lake in South Carolina.
Jacen Kerr was infected with the Naegleria fowleri amoeba at Lake Murray, located near Columbia. His family shared the sad news on July 18.
“While the family is heartbroken over this unimaginable loss, they’re thankful for the overwhelming love and support from the community,” stated Tyler Bailey, the family’s attorney, to WIS-TV.
He added that the family has numerous questions regarding the circumstances of Jacen’s death and aims to seek answers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health clarified that Jacen’s death should not be viewed as part of a broader public health crisis. They noted that the amoeba is commonly found in warm waters, but actual human infections are extremely rare, according to WIS-TV.
This incident marks the first recorded case of Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016.
Over the last 62 years, there have been just 167 reported cases across the nation, with only four individuals surviving, as per information from the CDC.
The organism is termed a “brain-eating amoeba” due to its ability to infect the brain and cause tissue destruction. Infections typically happen during hot summer months when water levels drop, particularly in lakes, rivers, or other freshwater bodies.
When contaminated water enters the nose and reaches the brain, it can lead to an infection identified as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), as the CDC explains.
Jacen’s funeral is planned for Saturday, and the Carr family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with unexpected medical and funeral expenses.
“He was an amazing son, a devoted brother, and a true friend to all who knew him. His kind nature and joyful spirit made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered,” wrote the organizers on the fundraiser page.
