Naegleria fowleri claims fourth life in Karachi as death toll rises

A computer-generated representation of Naegleria fowleri in its ameboid trophozoite stage, in its flagellated stage, and in its cyst stage. — CDC via Microbe Online

The Sindh Health Department confirmed the death of a 17-year-old patient in Karachi due to Naegleria fowleri, bringing the 2025 death toll from the brain-eating amoeba to four.

The patient, a resident of North Karachi, tested positive on June 27 and passed away today, as per a spokesperson of the provincial health department.

Pakistan recorded its first Naegleria fatality in March when a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal died from the amoeba.

Investigations showed that the deceased had no water-related recreational activities; her only water exposure was ablution at home.

In 2024, Pakistan had five Naegleria deaths, with four in Karachi and one in Hyderabad.

Naegleria enters the brain and attacks the nervous system when infected water is ingested through the nasal cavity during bathing, swimming, or ablution, say doctors and health experts.

The amoeba survives in warm waters and can be eliminated through proper chlorination or boiling of water.

Health experts stress the need for sufficient chlorination in water sources to prevent Naegleria fowleri infections.

The amoeba, thriving in warm, untreated water, can enter the body through the nose and cause fatal brain infections.

Experts recommend cleaning underground and overhead water tanks before summer each year and using chlorine tablets for water purification.