Health Officials Confirm Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection in North Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a Naegleria fowleri infection in a Louisiana resident who most likely contracted it while swimming in Lake Claiborne in Claiborne Parish shortly before becoming ill.
The amoeba, commonly called a brain-eating amoeba, is found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, canals and ponds throughout the United States. It can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection that may result when water containing the amoeba rushes up the nose and reaches the brain. The infection is extremely rare but nearly always fatal.
The amoeba cannot infect people if swallowed and is not spread from person to person. It is not found in salt water or in properly maintained and chlorinated pools. Symptoms typically begin with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures and coma. Onset is usually about five days after infection but can range from one to 12 days. )
The organism thrives in warm fresh water and grows best at temperatures up to 115 degrees. It occurs naturally, and there is no routine environmental test for it in bodies of water. The department issued a Health Alert Network notice to state providers Aug. 18 advising on symptoms and reporting.
Health officials said the risk of infection is low but that recreational water users should assume a risk exists in warm fresh water, and should limit the amount of water that enters the nose. The department urged caution during periods of extended extreme heat.
Baptist Collegiate Ministry Marks 100 Years With New Leadership
Northwestern State University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 under new leadership. Austin McCurry has been named director and Haidyn Brossett assistant director. Both are NSU graduates and former BCM students.
McCurry succeeds Bill Collins, who retired after 37 years as director. Brossett joins the leadership team after serving as a BCM student.
Founded in June 1926 as the Baptist Student Union, the ministry has continued through generations of students, campus growth and organizational changes, offering worship, Bible study, service projects, mission trips and fellowship.
The centennial continues this fall with events for alumni, church and community members, including a Centennial Celebration on Oct. 10 and a gathering for past BSU and BCM presidents on Oct. 24 during Homecoming weekend.
Siesta Fiesta Welcomes International Students
Northwestern State University students gathered Aug. 22 in the Student Union Plaza for “No Time for a Siesta, We’re Having a Fiesta,” an event sponsored by the Office of First Year Experience and the International Student Resource Center to help international and domestic students connect at the start of the fall semester.
The event featured live music, tacos, churros, mocktails and other activities. It was part of Demon Days, a series of activities held during the first 42 days of the fall semester to welcome new and returning students.