Arkansas baby dies from rare brain-eating amoeba [Video]

A young child in Arkansas has died after being infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba that health officials believe was likely contracted from a splash pad at a country club.

Michael Alexander Pollock III, who was just 16 months old, passed away on Sept. 4 while his parents were out of state, Arkansas Online reported. In the young child’s obituary, his parents wrote that Michael “touched the hearts of family, friends, and strangers” with his “illuminating smile and playfulness.”

The Arkansas Department of Health announced the death was caused by a Naegleria fowleri, a rare single-celled organism that’s typically found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and hot springs. However, it can also be found in pools and splash pads that are not properly maintained or cleaned.

“The CDC has reported one splash pad sample as confirmed to have viable Naegleria fowleri. The remaining samples are still pending,” the Arkansas …