Louisiana Reports 10 Acanthamoeba Infections in 2024, Including Fatal Case and Vision Loss
Louisiana has reported 10 Acanthamoeba infections since 2024, including one fatal brain infection and five cases of permanent vision loss from eye infections, with contact lens wearers being particularly at risk.
Lafayette, IN, November 8, 2026 —
Louisiana has seen a significant number of Acanthamoeba infections in 2024, with 10 cases reported to date. The infections have resulted in severe outcomes, including one fatality from a brain infection and five instances of permanent vision loss stemming from eye infections.
Acanthamoeba is a type of amoeba commonly found in water and soil. When it infects humans, it can cause serious illness. The reported cases highlight two primary forms of infection: a rare but often fatal brain infection, and serious eye infections that can lead to irreversible vision impairment.
The trend summary indicates that individuals who wear contact lenses are identified as being particularly at risk for these types of infections. Proper hygiene practices are crucial for contact lens wearers to mitigate potential risks associated with Acanthamoeba exposure, especially when lenses come into contact with water sources.
The full scope of the public health implications and preventative measures is under examination as health authorities continue to monitor the situation. The exact timeline for when these cases were reported within 2024 is not specified, nor is the specific geographical distribution within Louisiana beyond the state-level reporting.
Story summarized from the original created by Georgia Peck, Gray News staff on www.wlfi.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
.jpg?branch=production)
