Louisiana Girl, 8, Dies After Confirmed Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection Linked To Lake Swim
Eight-year-old Lillian Smart of Louisiana died over the weekend after being diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba infection likely linked to a swim at Lake Claiborne.[1]
Family spokesperson Kyle Roberts said brain injuries became too severe for her to recover.[1] The Louisiana Department of Health said last week this is the state's first confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection since 2013.[1] Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X that he was "heartbroken over the news of Lillian's passing." CBS News
Naegleria fowleri has caused about 180 confirmed U.S. infections between 1937 and 2025, underscoring how rare the illness is.[1]
Fox News had earlier reported the case as a suspected brain-eating amoeba infection linked to a lake swim.[2] CBS's later reporting supplied the confirmed diagnosis and the girl's name.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- CBS reports on Monday, August 24, 2026, that 8-year-old Lillian Smart died over the prior weekend after being diagnosed with a Naegleria fowleri infection, and family spokesperson Kyle Roberts said brain injuries became too severe for her to recover.
- The Louisiana Department of Health said last week this is the state's first confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection since 2013.
- Officials say the infection was likely contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne in north Louisiana.
- Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X that he was "heartbroken over the news of Lillian's passing."
- The article notes Naegleria fowleri has caused only about 180 confirmed U.S. infections between 1937 and 2025.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- CBS reports on Monday, August 24, 2026, that 8-year-old Lillian Smart died over the prior weekend after being diagnosed with a Naegleria fowleri infection.
- Family spokesperson Kyle Roberts said Smart was diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri and died after brain injuries became too severe for her to recover.
- The Louisiana Department of Health said last week this is the state's first confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection since 2013, although it does not name the patient.
- Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X that he was 'heartbroken over the news of Lillian's passing,' adding an on-the-record reaction from the state’s chief executive.
- The article reiterates that the infection was likely contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne in north Louisiana and that Naegleria fowleri has caused only about 180 confirmed U.S. infections between 1937 and 2025.