Louisiana Health Data: 10 Acanthamoeba Cases Identified Since 2024
State epidemiologist reports five cases of permanent vision loss and one death linked to the single-celled organism in tap water and soil.
By Madison Darwish ·
The Louisiana Department of Health has identified ten Acanthamoeba infections since 2024. This count includes one fatal brain infection diagnosed in 2026. State epidemiologist Theresa Sokol confirmed the figures during a briefing in Baton Rouge. She noted that the organisms are present in soil, dust, and both fresh and salt water. Sokol stated that most people are exposed to the amoeba during their lives without becoming ill. However, a small percentage develop serious infections in the sinuses, brain, skin, or eyes.
Eight of the ten reported cases involved eye infections. Seven of those eight patients wore contact lenses. Five patients suffered permanent vision loss from the condition. Sokol described the eye infections as severe, though they rarely spread to other body parts or result in death. The remaining two patients were diagnosed this year. One had a sinus infection, and the other had a brain infection. The patient with the brain infection died. Sokol said both individuals had underlying medical conditions. The department is not releasing specific locations to protect patient privacy.
Sokol explained that contact lenses can absorb water. If lenses touch tap water, pools, or hot tubs, the amoeba can become trapped beneath the lens against the cornea. She advised contact lens wearers to remove lenses before showering, swimming, or using hot tubs. She also recommended washing hands with soap and water and drying them thoroughly before handling lenses. Residual water on hands can transfer the organism to the lens. Sokol said that getting water in the eyes without lenses is not a known risk, except for those with recent eye trauma or surgery.
Symptoms of eye infections include pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing. Sokol noted that symptoms may appear days or weeks after exposure. She urged individuals with these symptoms to see a healthcare provider promptly. Early treatment increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. For sinus and brain infections, tap water used for nasal irrigation is a known risk factor. She recommended using sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water for these devices. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, or cancer, should be especially careful.
Sokol said the amoeba survives in tap water because it requires high levels of chlorination to kill. Standard drinking water systems do not use chlorination levels practical enough to eliminate the organism. She clarified that swallowing or drinking tap water does not cause infection. The department is monitoring the cases as they occur across the state.
