Karachi has reported its fifth death this year caused by Naegleria fowleri, the deadly brain-eating amoeba. The latest victim, a 29-year-old man from Central Karachi, died after contracting the infection, raising serious concerns about water safety in the city.
According to health authorities, the patient developed symptoms on September 7 and was admitted to a private hospital on September 11. Sadly, he passed away the same day. Laboratory tests conducted on September 12 confirmed the presence of the amoeba.
Cases Linked to Domestic Water Sources
Unlike common assumptions, recent cases in Karachi have not been associated with swimming pools or recreational water activities. Officials confirmed that the deceased had no history of such exposure. Instead, he used water directly from his home’s tap for drinking and bathing. This finding has amplified concerns that contaminated domestic water supplies may be the main source of infections.
Earlier this year in June, another tragic case was reported when 17-year-old Syed Shah Ali Qadri from North Karachi lost his life. He was admitted to a leading hospital where tests also confirmed Naegleria. Similar to the latest case, no recreational water link was identified.
The first death of 2025 occurred in March when a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal died after contracting the parasite. Karachi had also witnessed multiple fatalities in 2024, with four cases reported within the city and one in Hyderabad.
Understanding the Brain-Eating Amoeba
Naegleria fowleri is an extremely rare parasite, but it is almost always fatal. It enters the body through the nose, usually from untreated or warm water, and then attacks the brain, leading to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The infection progresses rapidly, and survival rates remain alarmingly low.
Most people are unaware that everyday household water can serve as a transmission source if not properly treated. This makes the recent Karachi cases particularly concerning.
Public Health Warnings and Safety Measures
Health authorities in Karachi have once again urged residents to take strict precautions. They have recommended cleaning underground and overhead water tanks on a regular basis and ensuring chlorination of stored water. Additionally, boiling water before use, especially for nasal cleansing and ablution, is strongly advised.
These preventive measures, though simple, are essential to stop the spread of this deadly infection. Public awareness is critical since once symptoms appear, treatment options are limited and survival rates are extremely low.
Rising Alarm Over Karachi’s Water Safety
The latest death highlights the urgency of addressing Karachi’s water safety crisis. Experts stress that routine testing of water supplies, stricter chlorination standards, and public health campaigns are urgently needed. With five confirmed Naegleria deaths already in 2025, citizens are calling for stronger government action to safeguard drinking and domestic water sources.
Unless immediate steps are taken, the city risks facing more avoidable tragedies linked to the brain-eating amoeba.
