Louisiana Issues Advisory on Acanthamoeba Risks

Residents should avoid using tap water for contact lenses or sinus irrigation to help prevent rare but serious infections.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Diseases — General

Bold vector editorial illustration of a contact lens case and glass of water, emphasizing water safety health advisory. — The Louisiana Department of Health issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid using tap water for contact lens care or sinus irrigation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you use distilled or boiled water for sinus rinsing to avoid potential waterborne infections?

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a new public advisory following 10 reported cases of Acanthamoeba infections since 2024. Residents are urged to avoid using tap water for nasal irrigation or contact lens care to minimize risk of infection.

Why it matters

Acanthamoeba infections are rare but can lead to severe, life-threatening complications or permanent vision loss. The department is emphasizing proper water safety habits to prevent these infections as cases emerge in the state.

Official health surveillance identified 10 Acanthamoeba infections in Louisiana since 2024, including eight cases of keratitis. While these cases are being monitored, the specific transmission routes for each remain under investigation.

The players

Louisiana Department of Health

The state agency responsible for monitoring public health, managing disease outbreaks, and issuing safety guidance to residents.

The details

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, free-living amoeba commonly found in water. It causes infection when it enters the body through the eyes, nasal passages, or broken skin. In these reported cases, individuals faced complications from using tap water in nasal irrigation devices or for cleaning contact lenses, which allows the organism to colonize the nasal cavity or corneal tissue.

since 2011: Five deaths attributed to Naegleria infections in Louisiana
2023: National study on the frequency of non-keratitis Acanthamoeba cases
since 2024: 10 Acanthamoeba infections reported in Louisiana
August 2026: Death of Lillian Smart from a Naegleria infection
October 29, 2026: Louisiana Department of Health issues safety advisory

Health Landscape

Acanthamoeba remains a rare, high-severity pathogen that presents a significant challenge due to its high fatality rate in non-keratitis cases. This cluster of cases in Louisiana underscores the critical importance of water safety protocols in preventing waterborne disease.

If you use contact lenses or perform nasal irrigation, ensure you use only sterile, distilled, or boiled water to avoid potential exposure. Consult your primary care physician or an eye specialist if you experience persistent irritation, blurred vision, or eye pain.

The takeaway

While Acanthamoeba infections remain rare, they highlight the necessity of strict hygiene when using tap water near sensitive tissues. If you notice signs of an eye infection or sudden vision changes, contact your doctor immediately to discuss potential treatment.