36-Year-Old Woman Succumbs to Brain-Eating Amoeba
Karachi has recorded its first Naegleria fowleri-related death this year, as a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal passed away on February 23, health officials confirmed.
Details of the Case
According to Meeran Yousuf, media coordinator to the Sindh Health Minister, the woman fell ill on February 18 and was hospitalized the next day. The infection was confirmed on February 24, a day after her demise. Notably, she had no history of water-related activities, with her only known exposure being regular ablution (wuzu) at home.
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What is Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri, often called the “brain-eating amoeba,” causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare yet highly fatal infection with a 98% mortality rate.
- The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and soil.
- It infects humans when contaminated water enters the nose, usually during swimming, diving, or head submersion in freshwater.
- Once inside, the amoeba travels to the brain, destroying brain tissue and leading to severe neurological symptoms.
Symptoms and Prevention
The infection progresses rapidly, with symptoms appearing within five days of exposure. Early signs include:
✔ Headache
✔ Fever
✔ Nausea and vomiting
As the disease worsens, symptoms escalate to:
⚠ Stiff neck
⚠ Confusion and seizures
⚠ Hallucinations
⚠ Coma and death within days
Naegleria fowleri cannot survive in cool, chlorinated, and clean water, making proper water treatment and disinfection essential for prevention.
Conclusion
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of Naegleria fowleri and the need for vigilance in water hygiene, even during routine activities like ablution. Authorities urge the public to ensure that water sources are properly chlorinated to prevent further cases.
