Louisiana Warns Tap Water Could Carry Vision-damaging Amoeba
WHO:
ABC News - The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) warned residents about risks associated with tap water use for nasal irrigation and contact lenses.
ABC News - Theresa Sokol, Louisiana state epidemiologist, said: “Although these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences.”
ABC News - The LDH reported that the two patients with infections affecting the sinuses and brain had weakened immune systems.
ABC News - State officials did not release the name, age, sex, or residence of the person who died.
ABC News - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Acanthamoeba as a free-living, one-celled organism found in water, soil, and dust.
WHAT:
ABC News - Louisiana health officials reported 10 Acanthamoeba infections in the state since 2024.
ABC News - Eight infections were Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can cause permanent vision loss. Seven cases involved contact lens wearers, and five patients suffered permanent vision loss.
ABC News - Two infections were reported in 2026: one affecting the sinuses and one affecting the brain; the brain infection was fatal.
ABC News - The LDH issued a health advisory to Louisiana healthcare providers to promote awareness, early recognition, and prevention.
ABC News - The CDC says most people are exposed to Acanthamoeba during their lifetime without becoming ill; infections can affect the eyes, sinuses, skin, or brain.
ABC News - The CDC says non-keratitis infections are rare, affecting an estimated three to 12 people annually in the United States; a study cited in a 2024 CDC report found 82% of cases were fatal.
ABC News - The CDC says Acanthamoeba keratitis usually occurs in otherwise healthy people, is most often associated with contact lens use in the United States, and generally does not spread to other body parts.
NY Post - The amoeba’s effects depend on where it takes hold and can range from painful eye problems to potentially fatal brain disease.
WHERE:
ABC News - The reported infections occurred in Louisiana.
ABC News - The CDC says Acanthamoeba can be present in freshwater, still water, drinking-water systems, humidifiers, swimming pools, hot tubs, heating systems, and HVAC systems.
WHY:
ABC News - The LDH warned about tap water use because infections can have serious consequences, including permanent vision loss and fatal brain disease.
HOW:
ABC News - The CDC says infection can occur when the amoeba is inhaled, enters a cut or open wound, or reaches the eyes through contact lens use.
ABC News - The LDH recommends distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation devices.
ABC News - The LDH advises contact lens wearers not to use tap water to clean or store lenses; they should use contact lens solution and follow proper cleaning and storage methods.
ABC News - The LDH advises removing contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.
(UPDATED October 30, 2026 23:01 UTC)
Louisiana officials reported ten rare amoeba infections since 2024, including one fatal brain infection. Five eye-infection patients suffered permanent vision loss, prompting a warning about tap water. Use sterile or boiled water for nasal rinses, and contact-lens solution for lenses.