Eight-Year-Old Louisiana Girl Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Lake Swim

Lillian Smart, 8, of Ruston, Louisiana, died on 23 August from Naegleria fowleri infection, one day after her birthday. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed exposure likely occurred while swimming in Lake Claiborne. Lillian had been hospitalized since 15 August. Only about 180 US cases have been recorded since 1937. The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater and enters through the nose.