Arkansas Toddler Dies from Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection at Splash Pad
An Arkansas toddler has tragically died from a rare brain-eating amoeba infection, health officials and the county coroner confirmed. The 16-month-old boy passed away on September 4 after spending a few days in the hospital.
The Arkansas Department of Health stated that the victim died from a Naegleria fowleri infection, an amoeba that destroys brain tissue, leading to brain swelling and, in most cases, death. Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. The amoeba can infect individuals through recreational water activities, such as swimming in pools, splash pads, or surf parks, especially if the water lacks sufficient chlorination.
While Naegleria fowleri infections are rare in the United States, they often result in fatal outcomes. Only about three people are infected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Authorities believe the toddler contracted the infection at the Country Club of Little Rock splash pad. The state health department conducted testing and inspection, confirming that the victim was likely exposed to the amoeba at the splash pad. Multiple samples from the pool and splash pad were sent to the CDC for evaluation, with one splash pad sample testing positive for viable Naegleria fowleri.
As a precautionary measure, the Country Club of Little Rock voluntarily closed its pool and splash pad. Officials have reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk in relation to this incident.
This is not the first time Naegleria fowleri has caused fatalities at a splash pad. In 2021, a 3-year-old in Texas died from a brain infection after visiting a splash pad where the water was not adequately disinfected.
Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, commonly when individuals swim, dive, or submerge their heads in freshwater bodies. It then travels to the brain, resulting in an almost always fatal infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Initial symptoms usually arise within five days of infection and can include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Later symptoms may involve confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. The disease progresses rapidly, leading to death within approximately five days.
To prevent infection when swimming in freshwater, the CDC advises keeping water from entering the nose and avoiding stirring up sediment, where amoebae are more likely to reside.
The Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC are working together to conduct further investigations into this tragic incident. The last case of Naegleria fowleri in Arkansas occurred in 2013.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the toddler who lost their life to this devastating infection.