COLUMBIA, S.C. —
A 12-year-old boy lost his life due to a brain-eating amoeba, just two weeks after enjoying a holiday weekend at a popular South Carolina lake.
This type of amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually when someone jumps or dives into the water. It leads to an infection that inflates the brain and damages its tissues. Although there are fewer than ten reported cases annually in the United States, nearly all of them unfortunately result in death.
Here’s a brief overview of the amoeba, its most recent victim, and other hazards associated with freshwater lakes:
Known scientifically as Naegleria fowleri, this amoeba is most hazardous in warm waters, particularly in lakes and rivers across the southern U.S., as well as regions like Pakistan and Australia that experience hot, dry summers.
It infiltrates the brain via the olfactory nerve in the nose, causing a condition called primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Initial symptoms are usually quite common—headaches and nausea—but by the time severe pain sets in, it’s often too late for treatment. From 1962 to 2024, out of 167 cases in the U.S., only four people survived, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most fatalities occurred within five days of illness onset.
The boy, Jaysen Carr, went swimming at Lake Murray, located about 15 miles west of Columbia, during the July Fourth holiday. He fell ill a few days later and passed away on July 18.
His parents had never heard of this amoeba until a tearful doctor informed them of the spinal fluid test results.
Clarence Carr, his father, expressed shock that South Carolina doesn’t mandate public reporting of such infections or deaths, similar to many other states. There was no closure of the lake, nor was any water testing conducted.
“My son was really intelligent. If he had known even one warning, he would’ve thought twice about swimming there,” Carr stated.
The amoeba is relatively common but poses a significant risk when water temperatures rise.
Researchers are investigating why these infections are so infrequent. Some individuals have been discovered with antibodies, which indicates they may have survived past exposures. Others might suffer from brain swelling and related issues without the amoeba ever being detected.
“My son lost his life swimming. We thought it was safe,” Carr said.
This amoeba can be present in hot springs, rivers, and, though it’s uncommon, sometimes in tap water. Doctors advise using sterile water for nasal cleaning, particularly with a neti pot.
To minimize risk, avoiding swimming in lakes or rivers is best. If you do decide to swim, keeping your head above water is vital. Pinching your nose or donning nose clips while diving or swimming can help keep water out.
There are also various hazards when swimming in lakes and rivers versus pools, where chemicals can eliminate harmful bacteria and organisms.
A single mouthful of water could contain E. coli bacteria. While common in the intestines of healthy individuals and animals, some strains may lead to severe illnesses, including urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, and even blood poisoning in extreme cases.
Additionally, algae can lead to health problems. Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, are water-dwelling plant-like organisms.
These algae can create foam, scum, mats, or even paint-like surfaces in the water, thriving especially in warm weather boosted by excess nutrients from fertilizers and pet waste.
Some types of algae release toxins that can cause an array of symptoms, such as skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and serious conditions like liver damage, according to the CDC.
