8-year-old in Louisiana dies after rare brain-eating amoeba infection linked to lake swimming

An 8-year-old girl from Ruston, Louisiana, died in a hospital over the weekend after developing a severe brain infection that officials say was caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater. The state health department indicated the likely exposure occurred while the child swam in Lake Claiborne, about 30 miles northwest of Ruston.

Naegleria fowleri enters the body when contaminated water is forced up the nose, reaching the brain and causing rapid neurological damage. The organism cannot cause infection if swallowed and does not spread between people. The Louisiana Department of Health noted that the infection is extremely rare but almost always fatal, with only 180 confirmed cases in the United States since 1937 and three cases previously recorded in the state.

"The infection is extremely rare, but nearly always fatal," the department said.

The child was hospitalized after a fever progressed to double vision and other neurological symptoms. She remained in intensive care for several days before passing away shortly after her eighth birthday.

Public health officials highlighted that rising water temperatures linked to climate change are expanding the geographic range of the amoeba, increasing the risk in northern and mid-western states. Early symptoms can include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which can quickly progress to stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.

Local businesses organized a fundraiser to support the family, and community members described the child as a happy and well-known resident.

The case follows similar recent deaths in Georgia and Nebraska, where infections were also linked to freshwater swimming.