BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed ten cases of Acanthamoeba infection since 2024, seven of which involved contact‑lens users. Five of those eye infections have resulted in permanent vision loss, and a brain infection this year claimed one life.

What is Acanthamoeba?

State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol explained that Acanthamoeba is a free‑living amoeba found in soil, dust, fresh and salt water, as well as swimming pools, drinking‑water systems, and HVAC units. While most people encounter the organism without becoming ill, it can cause serious infections of the eyes, sinuses, brain, and skin in vulnerable individuals.

Eye infections linked to contact lenses

Eight of the ten reported cases were eye infections. Seven of those patients wore contact lenses, and five suffered permanent loss of vision. The organism can adhere to lenses when they come into contact with contaminated water, then latch onto the cornea, leading to infection.

Sokol stressed that proper lens hygiene is essential. “You need to dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses,” she said. “Avoid wearing lenses while swimming, showering, or using a hot tub, and never rinse them with tap water.”

Preventive steps for lens wearers

Key recommendations include:

• Wash and dry hands completely before inserting or removing lenses.
• Store lenses in fresh, sterile solution – never in tap water.
• Remove lenses before any water‑related activity.
• Replace lens cases regularly and clean them with sterile solution.

Symptoms of Acanthamoeba eye infection can mimic common conjunctivitis and include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing. Early medical evaluation improves the chance of a positive outcome.

Other infections and risk factors

The remaining two cases this year involved a sinus infection and a brain infection, both in patients with underlying health conditions such as HIV, organ transplants, cancer, or diabetes. The brain infection was fatal.

Sokol warned that using tap water for nasal irrigation or cleaning nasal devices can introduce the amoeba to the sinuses or brain. She advised using sterile, distilled, or boiled‑then‑cooled water for these purposes.

Is tap water a threat?

While Acanthamoeba can survive in municipal water supplies, the level of chlorination required to eradicate it is impractically high for drinking‑water systems. The organism does not pose a risk through drinking or swallowing water, and normal showering with tap water is safe.

What to do if you suspect infection

Anyone experiencing eye discomfort, especially contact‑lens wearers, should seek prompt care. Diagnostic testing may involve microscopic examination or genetic testing of fluid samples. Treatment options are available, but early intervention is critical.

State health officials will continue to monitor cases and provide guidance to protect Louisiana residents.

Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.