A child has died from a rare infection that she likely acquired while swimming in Louisiana.
The parents of Lillian Smart announced her death in a on Sunday, Aug. 23. The 8-year-old had been hospitalized with a Naegleria fowleri infection since Aug. 15, having likely acquired it while swimming in Lake Claiborne
According to the the amoeba “thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs,” with infections developing after water that contains it goes up the nose to the brain. Symptoms range from headaches, fever, and nausea to loss of balance and hallucinations.
“Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus,” Smart’s parents wrote on Facebook. “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…”
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The family vowed to maintain their religious faith while expressing appreciation for the local community that supported them while Lillian was in the hospital.
“Lil would have loved seeing everyone come together and she would have been right in the middle of it trying to help where she could,” they continued on Facebook. “We are devastated. We know you are too.”