Pakistan reports another Naegleria fowleri death in Karachi
Officials with the Sindh health department report an additional death due to the parasite, Naegleria fowleri.
The victim, a 17-year-old resident of North Karachi tested positive for the amoeba by PCR on June 27 and died today after three days of hospitalization.
Investigations revealed that the deceased teen had not participated in any water-related recreational activities. Her only known exposure to water was performing ablution at home.
It was noted that the drinking water tank had not been cleaned for at least six months.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba which is a single-celled living organism. It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals.
Infections can happen when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM (which destroys brain tissue) and is usually fatal. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare. Most infections occur from exposure to contaminated recreational water. Cases due to the use of neti pots and the practice of ablution have been documented.
You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water and the amoeba is not found in salt water.
Initial symptoms of PAM usually start within 1 to 7 days after infection. The initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Other symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly.