Karachi has recorded its first death of the year due to Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” Health officials confirmed that a 36-year-old woman succumbed to the infection last month.
Meeran Yousuf, media coordinator for the Sindh Health Minister, stated that the victim was a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal. She was admitted to a private hospital on February 19, after experiencing symptoms a day earlier. Tragically, she passed away on February 23. The presence of Naegleria fowleri was confirmed posthumously on February 24.
According to health officials, the woman had not participated in any water-related activities, which is typically how infections occur. Her only known exposure to water was through performing ablution (wuzu) at home, a religious practice done five times a day.
Naegleria Fowleri: A Rare but Deadly Infection
Naegleria fowleri, often called the “brain-eating amoeba,” causes a rare infection known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Unfortunately, PAM has a staggering mortality rate of 98%, making it almost always fatal.
The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and soil. Among the many species of Naegleria, only Naegleria fowleri is known to infect humans.
Infection happens when contaminated water enters the nose, often during swimming or diving in warm freshwater. Once inside, the amoeba travels to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes PAM.
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Symptoms of Naegleria Fowleri Infection
Initial symptoms typically appear within five days of exposure and include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations can develop. Death usually occurs within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Naegleria fowleri cannot survive in cool, clean, and properly chlorinated water, which reduces the risk of infection in well-maintained water sources.
