Louisiana Child Dies From Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba
An 8-year-old girl in Louisiana has died from a rare brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, likely contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne. This is the first confirmed case in Louisiana since 2013, and such infections are almost always fatal.
Nashville, TN, August 24, 2026 —
An 8-year-old girl in Louisiana has died after contracting a rare and often fatal brain-eating amoeba. The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the case, which is the first in the state since 2013.
Health officials believe the child likely contracted the amoeba, identified as Naegleria fowleri, while swimming in Lake Claiborne. The amoeba is a microscopic, single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare but are almost always fatal. The amoeba typically enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue. This leads to a severe and rapidly progressing illness known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Symptoms of PAM usually begin within one to nine days after exposure and can include severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. The infection is characterized by its rapid progression, often leading to death within five days of symptom onset, though fatalities can occur within 1 to 18 days.
While the exact circumstances of exposure in this case are still under investigation, health officials emphasize that the risk of infection can be reduced by avoiding water entering the nose when engaging in water activities in warm freshwater. This includes using nose clips or keeping the head above water. It is also recommended to avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while in shallow, warm freshwater areas, as the amoeba thrives in these conditions.
The Louisiana Department of Health stated that such infections are exceedingly rare, with only a handful of cases reported annually across the United States. The last confirmed case in Louisiana prior to this one was in 2013. Lake Claiborne is a popular recreational area, and health officials are monitoring the situation. Information regarding specific advisories for Lake Claiborne was not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.newschannel5.com, see more information here.
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