Louisiana Officials Warn of Amoeba in Tap Water

Louisiana health officials have issued a warning after linking a microscopic organism to five cases of permanent blindness and one death. The organism, commonly found in tap water, has been associated with 10 cases of illness across the state since 2024.

Acanthamoeba, commonly found in soil, dust, and water, can enter the body through cuts, inhalation, or contact with contaminated water, particularly when contact lenses are involved. The amoeba can cause a range of health issues, from eye infections to potentially fatal brain disease.

Of the 10 cases reported in Louisiana, eight involved Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss. Seven of these patients wore contact lenses, and five were left permanently blind. Two patients developed severe infections affecting the sinuses and brain, with the latter case resulting in death.

State officials noted that while tap water use does not confirm the source of these infections, it highlights the need for safe water practices. They emphasized the importance of using appropriate water for nasal irrigation, maintaining contact lens hygiene, and taking precautions with medical devices to reduce risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Acanthamoeba keratitis affects approximately 1,500 people annually in the U.S., with symptoms including eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. Treatment typically involves antiseptic eye drops, though surgery may be necessary in some cases. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.

Cases involving the amoeba in other parts of the body are rare but more dangerous. The CDC recorded 208 such cases in the U.S. between 1955 and 2025, including 14 in New York. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for these severe infections, which can affect the brain, sinuses, or skin.