US girl, 8, dies from brain-eating amoeba after swimming in lake in Louisiana

An American eight-year-old girl died after reportedly contracting a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana, United States.

In a Facebook post, her family announced the passing of the girl, identified as Lilian Smart.

Smart died on Aug. 22, a day after celebrating her eighth birthday.

“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.” The caption read.

Naegleria Fowleri

In a press release on Aug. 19, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed that a Louisiana resident contracted Naegleria Fowleri, often called a brain-eating amoeba.

Local authorities said it is commonly found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, canals, and ponds throughout the U.S.

It can cause Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that may result when water containing the amoeba rushes up the nose and reaches the brain.

The infection is apparently rare, but nearly always fatal.

Naegleria fowleri cannot infect people if swallowed and is not spread from person to person.

The amoeba is also not found in salt water or in properly maintained and chlorinated pools.

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection typically start with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures, and coma that can lead to death.

Symptoms typically begin about five days after infection, but can start within one to 12 days.

Local authorities added that Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm, fresh water and grows best at higher temperatures up to about 46°C.

The amoeba is naturally occurring, and there is apparently no routine environmental test for Naegleria fowleri in bodies of water in the U.S.

Support

According to KNOE, Smart was the subject of the Louisiana Department of Health’s press release.

She has been hospitalised since Aug. 15.

A fundraiser, “Love for Lilian”, was held on Aug. 21 to celebrate her eighth birthday.

Local shops and restaurants participated in the fundraiser and donated a portion of the day's proceeds to her family.

The local community also wore “Love for Lilian” shirts in support of Smart during the fundraiser.