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Tap Water Risks: Louisiana Warns of Deadly Amoeba
31 Oct
Summary
- Ten rare amoeba infections reported in Louisiana since 2024.
- Eye infections led to permanent vision loss in several cases.
- Fatal brain infection linked to tap water nasal irrigation devices.
Louisiana health officials are alerting the public to the serious risks associated with using tap water for nasal rinsing and contact lens care. Since 2024, the state has recorded ten cases of rare Acanthamoeba infections.
Eight of these cases were Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe eye infection. Seven individuals who wore contact lenses developed this infection, and five experienced permanent vision loss. This year, two other infections occurred: one in the sinuses and a fatal case affecting the brain. Both patients had compromised immune systems and had used tap water in nasal irrigation devices.
Acanthamoeba, a microorganism found in water and soil, can cause infections in the eyes, sinuses, skin, and brain, though most people exposed do not become ill. For those who do, especially those with weakened immune systems, infections like the non-keratitis type can be fatal, with a high mortality rate reported in the U.S. The Louisiana Department of Health has issued advisories to healthcare providers to enhance awareness and early detection of these infections.
