Karachi has reported its first death from Naegleria this year, as a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal lost her life to the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, as per the report.
According to the Sindh Health Department, she developed symptoms on February 18, 2025, was admitted to a private hospital on February 19, and passed away on February 23.
A lab report on February 24 confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri. Although she had not participated in any water-related activities.
Experts believe she may have contracted the infection during ablution (wudu), as the amoeba thrives in warm water and enters the brain through the nasal passages.
The infection begins with severe headaches, fever, nausea, neck stiffness, confusion, and unconsciousness, often proving fatal within days.
Health experts advise using chlorine tablets in water to eliminate harmful microbes and minimize the risk of infection.