Karachi, Pakistan: A 17-year-old resident of North Karachi has succumbed to a fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The Sindh Health Department confirmed the death on Saturday, bringing the 2025 death toll from this infection to four in Karachi. The patient tested positive on June 27 and passed away today.
Pakistan reported its first fatality from Naegleria this year in March, when a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal died from the amoeba. Investigations into that case revealed that the deceased had not participated in any water-related recreational activities, with her only known exposure to water being performing ablution at home.
It’s important to note that Pakistan recorded five deaths from Naegleria in 2024, with four cases occurring in Karachi and one in Hyderabad.
Understanding Naegleria and Preventive Measures
Doctors and health experts explain that Naegleria fowleri typically enters the brain and attacks the nervous system when infected water is ingested through the nasal cavity. This can occur during activities such as bathing, swimming, or performing ablution.
This deadly amoeba thrives on bacteria in warm waters and can only be effectively eliminated through proper chlorination or boiling of water. Health experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of adequate chlorination in water sources to prevent Naegleria fowleri infections. The amoeba, which flourishes in warm, untreated water, can enter the body through the nose and lead to severe, often fatal, brain infections.
To mitigate the risk, health experts advise individuals to:
- Ensure their underground and overhead water tanks are cleaned before the start of summer each year.
- Routinely purify water using chlorine tablets.
