Fear that lingers on

The blessing of rains is likely to be marred by threats posed by the deadly naegleria fowleri virus

Rains are expected in Karachi. Unfortunately, the blessing is likely to be marred by threats posed by the deadly naegleria fowleri virus as stagnant water will be found in every nook and corner of the city due to haphazard civic conditions.

Though no major casualty has so far been reported due to the virus this summer, fear persists in our minds especially when taking a dive into open swimming pools or performing ablution.

Last year, 14 lives were claimed by the naegleria fowleri virus. The deadly virus, commonly known as the ‘brain-eating’ amoeba, has spread across the country through the years and has killed around 38 people in the last three years.



The lethal amoeba survives on the bacteria in warm waters and enters the human brain through the nasal cavity and eats up its tissues. It can only be eliminated through proper chlorination of water that is being supplied to the city from its main reservoirs. Some housing societies also have large concrete storage tanks which are also supposed to be chlorinated.

The Sindh health ministry had formed a committee last year to check the increasing dangers of naegleria fowleri but it eventually went dormant when it found no backing from the government. PTI lawmaker Khurram Sher Zaman also lamented recently on Twitter about how the provincial government has not released any funds for chlorination of the water supply. Most neighbourhoods of the city are being supplied with water not chlorinated at all and the fear of getting infected during a simple ablution, which requires water to pass through our nose and throat, lingers on.

It’s a matter of real shame that a country which is already suffering from major heat strokes, deforestation and lack of water facilities also had to suffer from this danger.



According to Karachi health director Shakoor Abbasi, naegleria fowleri develops when the mercury touches 36˚ Celsius or more. Though the virus has not affected the country so far this year, officials have warned that with the advent of the monsoon season, germs will get breeding grounds due to stagnant rainwater and water stored at different places such as swimming pools and ponds.

We are not sure what the authorities have in their minds since the funds for the committee to cure the deadly amoeba have yet to be released and one can only wonder how much time the committee will take to function effectively.

Needless to say, residents have to play their part and ensure their safety by keeping the virus at bay. For this, chlorination is the key. Another protective measure is to use boiled water while cleaning your nose as the germ enters through the nasal cavity and eventually attacks the brain.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.