Louisiana Reports 10 Acanthamoeba Infections Since 2024, Including One Fatality and Cases of Vision Loss
In Louisiana, 10 cases of Acanthamoeba infections have been identified since 2024, leading to one death from a brain infection and five instances of permanent vision loss, predominantly affecting contact lens wearers.
Phoenix, AZ, November 8, 2026 — In Louisiana, public health officials have identified 10 cases of Acanthamoeba infections since the beginning of 2024. This trend has resulted in significant health consequences for those affected, including one reported death due to a brain infection and five cases of permanent vision loss.
The majority of individuals diagnosed with Acanthamoeba infections are contact lens wearers. This organism, Acanthamoeba, is commonly found in water and soil and can cause serious eye infections, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can lead to blindness if not treated promptly and effectively. It can also cause a rare but severe brain infection called granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE).
The reported cases in Louisiana highlight the potential risks associated with Acanthamoeba exposure, particularly for individuals who use contact lenses. Proper hygiene practices and careful handling of contact lenses and lens solutions are crucial to preventing such infections. Health authorities typically advise against using tap water to rinse or store contact lenses and recommend discontinuing lens wear if eyes become red or irritated, especially after exposure to water.
Further details regarding the specific timelines of the infections, the exact locations within Louisiana, or the outcomes of public health investigations were not immediately available. The reported figures indicate a concerning cluster of severe infections, prompting awareness among healthcare providers and the public, especially contact lens wearers in the state.
Story summarized from the original created by Georgia Peck, Gray News staff on www.azfamily.com, see more information here.
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