Louisiana Health Department Reports 10 Rare Acanthamoeba Infections Since 2024

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed ten cases of Acanthamoeba infection since 2024, with one patient dying this year. The agency issued an alert warning residents about the risks associated with using tap water for personal hygiene and medical devices.

Eight of the identified cases involved keratitis, an eye infection that often results in permanent vision loss. Five of those patients suffered irreversible damage. Seven of the ten affected individuals were contact lens users. The remaining two cases occurred in 2026. One infection affected the paranasal sinuses, while the other infected the brain and proved fatal. Both patients had weakened immune systems and had used tap water in nasal irrigation devices.

State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol stated in a press release, "Although these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences." The release was reported by ABC7 Eyewitness News. Authorities did not disclose specific details about the deceased individual.

Acanthamoeba is a single-celled organism found in soil and water systems, including drinking water supplies, pools, and humidifiers. Most people exposed to the microorganism do not become ill. However, it can cause infections in the eyes, sinuses, skin, or brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distinguishes between two types of Acanthamoeba infections. Non-keratitis infections are rare and severe, typically affecting people with compromised immune systems. They can impact multiple body parts. Keratitis usually affects healthy individuals, primarily through contact lens use, and generally does not spread to other organs.

In the United States, non-keratitis Acanthamoeba infections affect between three and twelve people annually. The mortality rate for these cases stands at 82 percent. Keratitis is contracted primarily through contact lens exposure. It typically stays within the eye but can cause permanent blindness if untreated.

Health officials recommend using distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation devices. Contact lens users should use specific cleaning solutions and avoid tap water entirely. Authorities advise removing contact lenses before swimming, showering, or entering a hot tub. They also urge users to follow strict cleaning and storage guidelines. The department sent a notice to healthcare providers to promote early detection and prevention.

Contaminated water can also cause gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and dehydration. These signs may appear within hours or weeks after exposure, depending on the specific microorganism involved. Other common symptoms include bloody or watery stools, fatigue, and dark urine. The risk extends beyond the eyes to the digestive system when water quality is inadequate.