Effective measures: KMC takes steps to stop spread of naegleria

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation administrator directs health department to initiate public awareness campaign.


Press Release May 16, 2013
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living excavate form of protist typically found in warm bodies of fresh water, such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and hot springs. PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

KARACHI:


Karachi Metropolitan Corporation administrator, Syed Hashim Raza Zaidi, has directed the health department to initiate a public awareness campaign regarding waterborne diseases spread by the naegleria bacteria. The amoeba is responsible for causing the deadly disease, Primary Amoebic Meiningoencephalitis, when it enters the body through the nasal passage.


He said this while addressing a combined meeting of KMC and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board about naegleria which included the Health Services senior director, Dr AD Sajnani, KWSB officials, WHO representatives and other relevant officers.

Zaidi directed the Water Board to ensure that a suitable quantity of chlorine was mixed with the water being supplied to the city from pumping stations including Hub, Pipri, Gharo, New Mandi and others. He also called for the appointment of focal persons who would be responsible for complaints regarding the disease.

He directed the health department to start water sampling immediately, concentrating in slum areas where the bacteria is likely to be found. Pipelines must also be repaired, where necessary, so that the bacterium could not enter the water supply from these sites, he asserted.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17th, 2013.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ