8-year-old Louisiana girl dies from a rare brain-eating amoeba found in warm freshwater
Summary
An 8-year-old girl named Lillian Smart from Louisiana died after being infected by Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain-eating amoeba found in warm freshwater. The infection likely happened while she was swimming in Lake Claiborne, and this is the first confirmed case in Louisiana since 2013.Key Facts
- Lillian Smart died from an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, often called a brain-eating amoeba.
- The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater, especially where water temperature is above 77°F (25°C).
- Infection happens when water containing the amoeba enters the nose and reaches the brain.
- This infection almost always results in death and cannot spread from person to person.
- Louisiana had not reported a confirmed case of this infection since 2013.
- Between 1937 and 2025, only about 180 cases were confirmed in the U.S.
- The Louisiana Department of Health noted there is no regular testing for the amoeba in bodies of water.
- A similar case occurred last year when a 12-year-old boy in South Carolina died from the infection.
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