Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
October 29, 2026
LDH urges safe water use to prevent rare but serious amoeba infections
10 Acanthamoeba infections identified in Louisiana since 2024, including cases involving permanent vision loss and one deathBaton Rouge, Louisiana, Oct 29, 2026 - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reminding residents to take precautions when using nasal rinsing devices and contact lenses following the identification of 10 rare Acanthamoeba infections in Louisiana since 2024.
Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism commonly found in soil, dust, and water, including tap water. Although exposure is common, infections in humans are rare. Depending on how the organism enters the body, it can cause serious eye infections or, less commonly, infections affecting the skin, sinuses, or brain.
Of the 10 infections identified in Louisiana between 2024 and 2026:
- Eight were cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can affect otherwise healthy people and cause permanent vision loss. Seven occurred in contact lens wearers, and five resulted in permanent vision loss.
- Two serious infections were identified in 2026: one affecting the sinuses and one involving the brain, which was fatal. Both patients had weakened immune systems and reported using tap water in nasal irrigation devices.
“Although these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences,” said State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol. “Using the right water for nasal rinsing, following proper contact lens hygiene, and taking precautions with medical devices can help reduce the risk. These steps are especially important for people with weakened immune systems.”
Reducing the risk of infection
LDH recommends the following precautions:
- For nasal rinsing: Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water in neti pots, squeeze bottles, and other nasal irrigation devices. Do not use untreated tap water for use or for cleaning.
- For contact lenses: Never use tap water to clean or store contact lenses. Use recommended contact lens solutions, follow proper cleaning and storage instructions, and remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.
- For medical devices: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for water use, cleaning, and maintenance of devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.
- For people with weakened immune systems: Talk with a health care provider about precautions when using nasal irrigation devices and other equipment that may involve water exposure.
Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, or the sensation that something is in the eye. Contact lens wearers experiencing these symptoms should promptly seek care from an eye care professional.
Other Acanthamoeba infections primarily affect people with weakened immune systems and may involve the sinuses, skin, or brain. Symptoms vary depending on the infection and can be difficult to recognize. People with weakened immune systems who develop concerning symptoms such as seizures, confusion, headaches, weakness, fevers, or sinus, visual, skin, or other disturbances should seek medical attention as soon as possible and tell their health care provider about any recent nasal rinsing or other potential water exposures.
LDH has issued a health advisory to Louisiana health care providers to increase awareness of these infections, encourage early recognition, and reinforce prevention recommendations.
For additional information about Acanthamoeba infections and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Acanthamoeba infections website.