A 9-year-old little girl in Kansas has tragically passed away from a rare brain-eating amoeba. Hally Yust died this past Wednesday from the infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
A 9-year-old little girl in Kansas has tragically passed away from a rare brain-eating amoeba. Hally Yust died this past Wednesday from the infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Named Naegleria fowleri, the amoeba is found in warm freshwater sources like rivers or lakes and sadly it’s usually fatal.
“The amoeba go into the nose and go directly into the brain and then it causes infection both in the spinal fluid and all around the brain. And then the fact that there’s swelling in the whole brain causes seizures, coma and that’s what leads to death.” [Via KSHB]
“In front of the trampoline where she liked to play, Hally Yust’s parents and siblings say she had been to four Kansas lakes in the last two weeks water skiing.” [Via KMBC]
“The family of a Kansas girl who died from a brain-eating amoeba this week say it was a rare infection that shouldn’t cause anyone to fear the water.” [Via KWCH]
Following the child’s untimely death, Hally’s mom and dad stated “We want you to know this tragic event is very, very rare, and this is not something to become fearful about. We hope you will not live in fear of this rare infection that took our daughter’s life. Our family is very active in water sports, and we will continue to be.”
Hally’s infection is the second known case of Naegleria fowleri in the state of Kansas. In 51 years, there have only been 132 reported cases in the entire United States.
