KARACHI- Two people died of Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the ‘brain-eating’ amoeba, in two different private hospitals in Karachi.
Brain Eating Amoeba Naegleria Fowleri claims lives in Karachi
Hussain Afzal, A 59- year old man, resident of Kaemari, and Ali Guhar, a 38-year-old man, who belonged to Banaras, died of brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) in separate private hospitals in Karachi.
They were brought to private hospitals a few days ago, where they died during treatment. A total of four people died so far in Karachi. However, Dr Hamid Jumani, Director of Health, Karachi, was unaware of the deaths.
Naegleria fowleri, according to health professionals, is a brain-eating amoeba that enters through the nose and begins consuming brain tissue. The amoeba prefers warm water and can withstand temperatures up to 46 degrees. The most prevalent points are freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and swimming pools, as well as subterranean and above tanks.