Louisiana Issues Advisory on Acanthamoeba Infections

The state health department warns residents about water safety following a rise in reported cases.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Diseases — General

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single water droplet on a faucet, representing the serious risks of non-sterile tap water usage. — The Louisiana Department of Health issued a public advisory regarding Acanthamoeba infections, urging residents to avoid using untreated tap water for nasal irrigation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you use distilled or boiled water for sinus rinsing to avoid potential waterborne infections?

The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a public advisory regarding Acanthamoeba infections after the state recorded 10 cases since 2024. The alert warns of transmission risks through tap water used for sinus care or contact lens maintenance.

Why it matters

The advisory aims to reduce severe health risks, including permanent vision loss and fatal infections, by educating the public on safe water practices for nasal irrigation and lens hygiene.

Of the 10 reported infections, eight were cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis, with seven occurring in contact lens wearers and five resulting in permanent vision loss. Nationally, non-keratitis Acanthamoeba cases have an 82% fatality rate.

The players

Louisiana Department of Health

This state agency oversees public health policy and disease monitoring efforts to protect the safety of residents.

Lillian Smart

She was an eight-year-old resident whose death in 2026 was attributed to an infection by the Naegleria fowleri microbe.

The details

Two patients with serious infections were linked to the use of tap water in nasal irrigation systems, prompting the health department to stress that tap water is not sterile. The state is also highlighting the danger of Naegleria fowleri, which has claimed five lives in Louisiana since 2011, including the recent death of Lillian Smart.

Five deaths from Naegleria have been recorded in Louisiana since 2011.
A 2023 study analyzed the frequency of national non-keratitis Acanthamoeba cases.
Louisiana has tracked 10 Acanthamoeba infections since 2024.
Lillian Smart died in August 2026 due to a Naegleria fowleri infection.
The health department released its advisory on October 29, 2026.

Health Landscape

This advisory follows the established precedent of the historical record of Naegleria fowleri deaths in Louisiana. The state's latest guidance attempts to address environmental health risks by formalizing preventative water safety protocols.

Residents should exclusively use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation and contact lens cleaning to mitigate infection risks. Patients who notice vision changes or sinus-related complications should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

The takeaway

Public health authorities emphasize that tap water is not sterile and should never be used for nasal irrigation or contact lens maintenance. Practicing proper water hygiene can significantly lower the risk of rare but severe infections.