First case since 2013: 8-year-old dies from rare brain-eating amoeba infection after swimming in Louisiana lake
The infection is extremely rare, affecting only around 10 individuals in a year in the US.
An 8-year-old girl, Lillian Smart, has tragically died from a rare brain-eating amoeba infection, Naegleria fowleri, after swimming in a Louisiana lake, according to her family's statement to the Associated Press. This marks the first confirmed case of the infection in Louisiana since 2013. Lillian's parents, Daniel and Rebecca Smart, expressed their devastation in a heartfelt Facebook post, crediting their faith in Jesus for giving them strength during this difficult time.
The Naegleria fowleri amoeba thrives in warm freshwater bodies, and is most likely contracted through nasal inhalation during swimming. Only around 10 cases are confirmed in the US each year, with a total of 180 cases reported since 1937. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana also conveyed his condolences to the Smart family.
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