SO far, the Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as brain-eating amoeba, has claimed 13 lives in Karachi. The most recent victim was a teenager named Jamshed.

Naegleria is a rare and usually fatal brain infection caused by an amoeba commonly found in freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs. Exposure occurs during swimming or other water sports.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the amoeba travels up the nose to the brain, where it causes severe damage. Most people who have naegleria infection die within a week.

Sahir Ishaq

Turbat

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2019