Eight-year-old dies after contracting rare brain-eating amoeba in Louisiana
Lillian Smart of Ruston infected with fatal Naegleria fowleri , likely after swimming in Lake Claiborne, health officials say An eight-year-old Louisiana girl has died after contracting a rare, typically fatal brain-eating amoeba after a swim in Lake Claiborne. Lillian Smart, of Ruston, died on Saturday, one day after celebrating her birthday, her family announced in a public Facebook post on the…
Eight-year-old Lillian Smart of Ruston has passed away after contracting a rare and typically fatal brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana. The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is almost always fatal and only about 180 cases have been identified in the US since 1937. Lillian's family announced her passing on a public Facebook post, describing her as "gone to Jesus" and expressing their heartbreak at not being able to keep her with them.
She had been hospitalized since August 15th. Health officials believe exposure to the amoeba occurred during her swim in the lake. Naegleria fowleri is found in warm freshwater across the country, though it is not present in saltwater or properly maintained, chlorinated pools. The amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Experts warn that climate change is causing the amoeba to appear in new areas, including the north and west.
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