Tragic Death of Arkansas Toddler Linked to Brain-Eating Amoeba at Country Club Splash Pad

A 16-month-old toddler in Arkansas died from a rare brain-eating amoeba infection, likely contracted while playing at a country club's splash pad. The child's parents were out of state when the infection occurred. The Arkansas Department of Health confirmed the cause of death and found traces of the amoeba in water samples. The country club voluntarily closed its pool and splash pad, and there is no ongoing risk to the public. Brain-eating amoebas thrive in warm water, and experts suggest that climate change could increase the risk of infections. Symptoms of the infection include headache, nausea, fever, and vomiting, with death occurring within one to 18 days.