Eight-year-old dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Louisiana lake

A young girl in Louisiana has died from a rare and devastating brain-eating amoeba infection. Lillian Smart, eight, passed away on Saturday after contracting Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba typically found in warm freshwater. Her family announced her death on a public Facebook page, sharing their profound grief.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed an infection occurred, likely from swimming in Lake Claiborne. While Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare, they are almost always fatal. Since 1937, only about 180 cases have been recorded in the United States. Experts note that the climate crisis may be expanding the amoeba's range into areas where it was not previously common.

The amoeba causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection that occurs when contaminated water enters the nose. It cannot be contracted by swallowing water or through person-to-person contact. Despite the tragic outcome, the Ruston community rallied around the Smart family, with over two dozen businesses donating a portion of their sales to support them during their crisis.

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Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus. The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little body to recover from. Everyone did everything they could to keep her here. We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next. How do we put one foot in front of the other without our girl?