The naegleria fowleri scare

A virus that has no specific treatment or vaccine currently available

Last week saw Karachi’s twelfth fatality this year due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection caused by Naegleria Fowleri, a microorganism (amoeba) also referred to as the ‘brain-eating bug’. Naegleria Fowleri infects people when water containing the bug enters the body through the nose. Infection is rare and typically occurs in people who go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places such as lakes and rivers and in those who cleanse their noses with contaminated tap water such as people performing ablution (‘Wuzu’). There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available for the Naegleria Fowleri infection and preventive measures are the only way to avoid it.

The only certain way to prevent a Naegleria Fowleri infection due to swimming is to refrain from water-related activities in warm freshwater. When doing so, however, one must use nose clips, keep one’s head above water, avoid putting one’s head under the water in hot springs and other untreated thermal waters, avoid such activities during periods of high water temperature, and avoid digging in or stirring up sediment in shallow water areas. It is also essential to properly chlorinate all water reservoirs including swimming pools to stay safe from the infection. To ensure that water is safe for nasal rinsing during ablution or ‘wuzu’, it is safest to use boiled, sterile or filtered water. If that is not possible, one must disinfect the water using chlorine. Regrettably, however, the Naegleria Fowleri infection is not being given proper attention by the authorities, including the Sindh government. Governmental advice and instructions are especially critical during the current season as the infection usually occurs when it is hot for prolonged periods of time which in turn leads to higher water temperatures and lower water levels. It is crucial, therefore, for the government to work with the media to help the public stay safe from preventable ailments such as the Naegleria Fowleri infection.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2019.

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