A 12-year-old boy, Jaysen Carr, died from a brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, after swimming in South Carolina's Lake Murray during the July Fourth weekend. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, causing a fatal infection. Fewer than 10 cases are reported annually in the U.S. Jaysen's father is advocating for increased awareness and potential safety regulations regarding the amoeba, highlighting the lack of public reporting requirements in South Carolina. The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater, and prevention involves avoiding water entering the nose while swimming.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.