A 12-year-old South Carolina boy, Jaysen Carr, died from a brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, two weeks after swimming in Lake Murray. The amoeba, which enters the body through the nose, causes a fatal brain infection. Fewer than 10 cases are reported annually in the U.S. Carr's death highlights the lack of mandatory reporting for such infections in South Carolina. Experts advise keeping your head above water while swimming in lakes and rivers to avoid infection. Other lake dangers include E.coli and toxic algae blooms.
Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.
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