The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is warning residents about the dangers of using tap water for sinus rinsing or contact lens care following 10 reported infections involving a rare amoeba called Acanthamoeba since 2024, including one fatal case this year.

According to health officials, eight of the infections involved Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection that can cause permanent vision loss. Seven of those patients wore contact lenses, and five of the eight experienced permanent vision loss.

Two additional serious infections were identified in 2026 among patients with weakened immune systems. One infection affected the sinuses, while another affected the brain and resulted in death. Both patients reported using tap water in nasal irrigation devices, although health officials have not confirmed that tap water was the source of their infections. The locations of the cases have not been disclosed.

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism commonly found in soil, dust and water, including tap water. Although exposure is common, infections are rare. The organism can cause serious infections when it enters the eyes, nasal passages or other vulnerable areas of the body.

Health officials recommend using only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water in neti pots, squeeze bottles and other sinus-rinsing devices. Contact lens wearers should never use tap water to clean or store their lenses and should remove them before swimming, showering or entering a hot tub.

Residents who use CPAP machines should also follow manufacturer instructions and use the recommended water, typically distilled water, in the humidifier.

Symptoms of an Acanthamoeba eye infection may include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Contact lens wearers experiencing these symptoms should remove their lenses and seek prompt medical attention from an eye care professional.

State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol emphasized that although these infections are uncommon, the consequences can be devastating. Following proper hygiene practices and using the correct water for medical and personal care devices can significantly reduce the risk.

Health officials stress that drinking tap water does not put people at risk of contracting an Acanthamoeba infection. The warning is specifically about using untreated tap water for nasal rinsing and contact lens care.

The department encourages residents to take these simple precautions, particularly those with weakened immune systems, to help prevent potentially serious infections.

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