Louisiana Health Officials Warn About Tap Water Use After Rare Amoeba Cases

Officials in Louisiana are urging residents to exercise caution when using tap water. What is prompting the concern, and what do you need to do if you are in the impacted area? This is what you need to know.

Louisiana Warns of Dangerous Amoeba Infections

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) issued an alert about the dangers of using tap water for certain uses after 10 cases of the rare Acanthamoeba infections were identified since 2024. While drinking tap water is not dangerous, using it for sinus or nasal rinses or to store or clean contact lenses can be hazardous.

The LDH said that Acanthamoeba can trigger dangerous eye, sinus, skin, or brain infections. This microscopic organism is typically found in soil, dust, and water. Although exposure to the amoeba is common in Louisiana, developing an infection as a result of this exposure is quite rare. Acanthamoeba is distinct from Naegleria fowleri, more commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba.

Of the 10 cases confirmed in Louisiana since 2024, eight of them were what is known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. This eye infection can lead to permanent loss of vision in otherwise healthy individuals. The LDH explains that Acanthamoeba keratitis has been shown to potentially cause eye pain, blurred vision, redness, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye. The state's public health agency said that "Contact lens wearers experiencing these symptoms should promptly seek care from an eye care professional."

LDH confirmed that seven of these cases happened in individuals who used contact lenses. Of these cases, five went on to suffer from permanent vision loss.

Two other serious cases were identified in the state this year. One of these patients contracted the infection in their sinuses, while the other contracted it in the brain. The person with the brain infection passed away. 

Both of these recent cases involved patients who said that they used tap water to flush out their nasal passages. While LDH said that they could not positively identify tap water as the source of the infection, it still warned residents about the associated dangers of these uses.

Louisiana state epidemiologist Theresa Sokol said, "Although these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences." Sokol explained that "Using the right water for nasal rinsing, following proper contact lens hygiene, and taking precautions with medical devices can help reduce the risk. These steps are especially important for people with weakened immune systems."

It can be challenging to recognize and isolate the symptoms of this type of infection. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms such as confusion, headaches, fevers, and fatigue. Any type of visual, skin, or sinus disturbance should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. LDH said that it is important to tell your medical care professional about recent nasal rinsing or other potential uses of tap water other than drinking.

How to Avoid This Dangerous Infection

LDH recommends that people avoid using tap water for nasal rinsing. Instead, it is better to use sterile or distilled water in neti pots, squeeze bottles, and other types of nasal irrigation devices. As an alternative, you can also use previously boiled and cooled water.

Contact lens wearers are being told to never use tap water to clean or store their lenses. Using the recommended contact lens solution and following proper cleaning and storage protocols will reduce the risk of infection. You should also remove the lenses before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub.

Medical devices that use water to operate, including CPAP machines, can also be susceptible to harboring the infection. This is why it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper water use, cleaning, and maintenance.

LDH also advises immunocompromised individuals to speak with their health care provider about their specific risks when using nasal irrigation devices or other types of medical equipment that use water.

Lastly, LDH issued a health advisory to health care providers in the state in an effort to raise awareness of the increased prevalence of these infections and the importance of recognizing the early warning signs.

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