Pakistan must focus on Naegleria Fowleri issue which is raising

Naegleria fowleri is a bacterium that lives in water, and it can only be seen via a microscope. It is bacteria that, if it follows through the nose and then through the nasal passage, reaches the brain. Experts describe it as brain-eating bacteria, and it eats brain tissue. Naegleria fowleri is a deadly bacterium if it reaches the brain, and there is a 1% chance of survival if it is detected early. It lives in fresh water, and it survives in temperatures up to 32-40°C. Even in the US, doctors and medical professionals cannot find any solution to resolve it or create a medicine for it. It also lives in lakes and rivers. It is one of the most fatal bacteria. 

In Karachi, it is affecting people's lives, as up to 5 deaths are reported in 2024. These are only reported deaths, as there could be more deaths in other Sindh cities or other cities of Pakistan. However, the issue in Karachi is mostly highlighted because there are more deaths reported in Sindh. This issue is witnessed more in Sindh due to water cleanliness issues. In Sindh there is an issue with water, and the water pipes are very old. Most of the deaths that occurred in Sindh were in old areas like Orangi Town, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, etc. It suggests that people must clean their water tanks, which are underground and are on rooftops, to avoid this. It is suggested that parents should keep their children away from underdeveloped water theme parks and water pools because the water is not chlorinated.

People should use boiled water for Wudu, especially when the water goes through the nose. This is the best way to prevent yourself from getting Naegleria fowleri inside the brain. Moreover, water tanks should be chlorinated as well, and pools in Pakistan should be chlorinated. This is the best way to avoid Naegleria fowleri. It is worth noting that Naegleria fowleri does not exist in winter. 

 

Aga Khan Hospital 

Naegleria infection is caused by a 'brain eating amoeba' which is commonly found in fresh water lakes, rivers or hot springs. You can also become infected by it whilst swimming in pools and engaging in other fresh water sports. This amoeba usually travels through the nose and enters the brain where is causes severe damage. The symptoms start to show within 24 hours of contact and the amoeba can take your life within 7 days.  

As a preventive measure, chlorine should be poured in your home tanks to kill any such amoeba which may exist in the water.  
 

For frequent swimmers, during the summers, it is important that you choose the swimming pools wisely and make sure that the authorities keep it well maintained on a regular basis.  
 

Once the amoeba enters your brain, it leads to inflammation of the brain tissues and destroys it completely. After contact, the symptoms start to exhibit themselves from around 2 to 15 days but once they do show the disease progresses rapidly. This can typically lead to death in a week.  
 

• Alteration in the sense of smell

• Changes in sense of taste

• High fever

• Sensitivity to light

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stiff neck

• Extreme headache

• Confusion and disorientation

• Sleepiness

• Loss of balance

• Hallucinations

• Seizures​