Louisiana officials warn against tap water for eyes and noses
Ten rare amoeba infections have been recorded in the state since 2024, with five patients suffering permanent vision loss.
By Marek Collins ·
Louisiana health officials issued a warning on Thursday regarding the use of tap water for nasal rinsing and contact lens care following the identification of ten Acanthamoeba infections in the state since 2024. The Louisiana Department of Health stated that these rare cases include eight instances of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection.
Seven of the eye infection patients wore contact lenses. Five of those individuals suffered permanent vision loss, according to state data. Two additional infections occurred in 2026. One case affected the sinuses, while the other affected the brain and resulted in death. The department noted that both 2026 patients had weakened immune systems and had used tap water in nasal irrigation devices.
State officials have not released the name, age, sex, or residence of the individual who died. Theresa Sokol, the state epidemiologist, described the potential consequences of these infections as devastating in a press release. She advised the public to use the correct water for nasal rinsing and to follow proper hygiene protocols for contact lenses. Sokol emphasized that these precautions are particularly important for people with compromised immune systems.
Acanthamoeba is a one-celled organism that lives in water, soil, and dust. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies the organism in freshwater, drinking water systems, humidifiers, swimming pools, and heating systems. While most people are exposed to the amoeba without becoming ill, it can infect the eyes, sinuses, skin, or brain if inhaled or introduced through a cut. The CDC notes that non-keratitis infections affect between three and 12 people annually in the United States, with an 82% fatality rate.
The department of health recommends that residents use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation. Contact lens wearers should avoid tap water for cleaning or storage and instead use designated contact lens solution. The agency also advises removing lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.
The state has issued a health advisory to Louisiana healthcare providers to improve early recognition of these infections. The advisory also reinforces the prevention recommendations for the general public.
Source: KOIL
