A recent report has raised alarms over the growing number of Naegleria fowleri cases in Karachi, pointing to contaminated underground water supplied through unregulated water tankers as the primary cause.
Tests conducted across 50 union councils revealed that 95% of the water samples contained the deadly brain-eating amoeba, putting thousands of residents at risk. Experts warn that the unchecked extraction and distribution of underground water have significantly contributed to the spread of the infection.
With over half of Karachi’s population relying on water tankers, the situation has become more concerning. The Karachi Water Board operates only 400 registered tankers, yet more than 7,000 unregistered tankers supply water daily, often without proper filtration or chlorination.
Naegleria fowleri is a brain-eating amoeba commonly found in freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It can also be present in swimming pools and poorly treated water supplies. The parasite enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing a severe and often fatal infection.
Infected individuals may develop high fever, headaches, vomiting, and neck stiffness. In later stages, the infection can lead to coma and death within a week.
Health experts emphasize that chlorination is crucial to eliminating the amoeba from water supplies. Additionally, residents are advised to use boiled or properly treated water while cleaning their noses, as the parasite enters through the nasal passage.
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