The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently released a new advisory concerning Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” This organism is found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The advisory aims to increase public awareness about the potential dangers of this amoeba, especially during the summer when water-related activities are more common.
According to the advisory, cases and deaths due to Naegleria have been reported in Pakistan since 2008. The advisory stated that brain-eating amoeba cases are being reported from various cities, including Karachi.
Symptoms of Naegleria include high fever, headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness, the advisory noted. At the final clinical stage, the virus can lead to coma, the advisory NIH warned.
Brain-eating amoeba can be found in rivers, lakes, and hot springs, according to the advisory. The infection occurs when water with insufficient chlorine enters the nose, the advisory explained. Delayed diagnosis of the infection can lead to death within 4 to 7 days, the NIH advisory warned.
The NIH advisory noted that 75% of Naegleria cases are diagnosed posthumously. Naegleria cannot survive in clean, cold, chlorinated water, the advisory emphasized. Relevant authorities have been instructed to maintain the cleanliness of water tanks and pipes.
The NIH also underscores the importance of maintaining proper water quality in swimming pools and other recreational water facilities to minimize the risk of contamination.