8-year-old Louisiana girl dies after battle with rare brain-eating amoeba

12 hours ago 21

"We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next," Lillian Smart's parents wrote on Facebook, announcing the death of their 8-year-old daughter.

RUSTON, La. — A young girl from Louisiana died days after her 8th birthday following a battle with a rare brain-eating amoeba.

Health officials confirmed Lillian Smart contracted Naegleria fowleri, a rare and often deadly brain-eating amoeba, likely after swimming in Lake Claiborne, approximately 60 miles northeast of Shreveport.

Lillian quickly became sick last week. What started as a fever Thursday, Aug. 20 progressed to double vision and other concerning symptoms by Saturday, according to a post made by her mother, Rebecca Smart.

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