KARACHI: Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, has claimed the life of a youth in Karachi, taking the death toll of the disease so far to five; four of the victims belong to Sindh capital and one to Hyderabad.
The latest victim, a 19-year-old male resident of District East, Karachi, succumbed to the disease at a private hospital.
As per hospital sources, the patient began showing symptoms on August 18 and was admitted to the hospital three days later, while Naegleria fowleri was confirmed on Aug 25.
Upon investigation, it was found that the patient’s only known exposure to water was through regular ablution (wuzu) five times a day at home and occasionally at a nearby mosque.
As per experts, Naegleria fowleri thrives in clean water and infects the brain by entering through the nose, leading to fatal consequences. The amoeba does not reach the brain through the mouth, nor can it survive in saltwater.
Medical experts advise that maintaining a 50pc chlorine level in water is essential to prevent the amoeba. They also recommend cleaning household water tanks at least twice a year, using chlorine tablets, and boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius for drinking and ablution to eliminate the amoeba.
The experts have also advised the water board to ensure adequate chlorine levels in the water supply, urging people to avoid dipping their nose in water while swimming in pools as a precaution.