Louisiana Health Officials Issue Warning on Tap Water Use

The Louisiana Department of Health issued a warning on Thursday regarding the use of tap water for nasal rinsing and contact lens cleaning. State officials reported that ten cases of Acanthamoeba infections have occurred in the state since 2024. The advisory aims to reduce the risk of these rare but serious conditions among residents.

Eight of the ten reported cases involved Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can result in permanent vision loss. Seven of these patients wore contact lenses. According to the department, five individuals suffered permanent vision loss as a result of the infection. The remaining two cases occurred in 2026, affecting the sinuses and the brain respectively.

One of the two 2026 infections proved fatal. The department stated that both patients who fell ill this year had weakened immune systems. In each case, the patients had used tap water in nasal irrigation devices. State officials have not released specific details about the individual who died, including their name, age, sex, or place of residence.

Theresa Sokol, the state epidemiologist, said in a press release that while these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences. She noted that using the right water for nasal rinsing and following proper contact lens hygiene can help reduce the risk. These precautions are especially important for people with weakened immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes Acanthamoeba as a free-living amoeba found in water, soil, and dust. It is present in freshwater, drinking water systems, humidifiers, and swimming pools. Most people encounter the organism without becoming ill, but it can cause infections of the eyes, sinuses, skin, and brain. The CDC notes that non-keratitis infections are rare, affecting between three and 12 people annually in the United States, with an 82% fatality rate.

To lower the risk, the Louisiana Department of Health recommends using distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation devices. Contact lens wearers should never use tap water to clean or store their eyewear. Instead, residents should use contact lens solution and proper cleaning methods. The department also advises removing contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub.

The department has issued a health advisory to Louisiana healthcare providers. The goal is to increase awareness and early recognition of the infections while reinforcing prevention recommendations. Health officials continue to monitor the situation as they work to inform the public about safe water use practices.