RUSTON, La. — A 8-year-old Louisiana girl has died after contracting a rare, brain-eating amoeba infection during a recent swim at Lake Claiborne.
Lillian Smart died Saturday, just one day after her birthday, from severe brain injuries caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba that leads to primary amebic meningoencephalitis.
Her family confirmed her passing in a statement on social media, expressing gratitude for the community support and asking for continued prayers as they grieve.
The Louisiana Department of Health previously issued an advisory after confirming the infection, noting the amoeba typically enters the body through the nose during freshwater exposure.