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Louisiana Confirms 8-Year-Old Dies of Naegleria fowleri

8/25/2026

Summary

Lillian Smart Dies

Louisiana health officials confirmed 8-year-old Lillian Smart died from Naegleria fowleri infection.
Officials said she likely contracted the amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne.
Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill posted condolences on X.
The case is Louisiana’s first confirmed Naegleria infection since 2013.
About 180 U.S. Naegleria fowleri infections have been recorded since 1937.

Summary

Louisiana Health Warns

Louisiana Department of Health advised clinicians to consider Naegleria fowleri in meningitis cases.
The department urged swimmers to keep heads above water, use nose clips, and avoid stirring lake sediment.
Officials warned that prolonged extreme heat raises water temperature, increasing Naegleria risk.
Scientists linked climate-change-driven warming to expanding Naegleria habitats in the western United States.
A recent study detected Naegleria fowleri in water at several iconic U.S. national parks.

Summary

Ruston Supports Smart

The Ruston community held a “Love for Lillian” fundraiser on Aug. 22 to support the Smart family.
Local shops and restaurants donated a portion of their sales from the fundraiser day to the family.
The fundraiser aimed to alleviate the family’s financial burden after weeks of hospitalization and medical expenses.
Community members expressed grief, offered prayers, and pledged continued support for the Smart family.

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Lillian Smart Dies

Louisiana health officials confirmed 8-year-old Lillian Smart died from Naegleria fowleri infection.
Officials said she likely contracted the amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne.
Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill posted condolences on X.
The case is Louisiana’s first confirmed Naegleria infection since 2013.
About 180 U.S. Naegleria fowleri infections have been recorded since 1937.

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