14-year-old Adeel Nazir, a resident of
Korangi, was diagnosed with the amoebic infection and died just a day later. PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
KARACHI: The first person to be infected this year by the deadly amoeba Naegleria Fowleri died on Thursday afternoon at the Liaquat National Hospital.
On Wednesday 14-year-old Adeel Nazir, a resident of Korangi, was diagnosed with the amoebic infection and died just a day later. According to health officials, Nazir went for a picnic around 20 days back but returned without any problems. He was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday and was diagnosed on Wednesday.
The health EDO, Dr Imdadullah Siddiqui, told The Express Tribune that Nazir’s death was the first one caused by the deadly amoeba this year and the health department has responded promptly to control the disease from spreading. The health minister and health secretary had organised meetings to discuss the ways in which more infections can be prevented. “A mass awareness campaign about the lethal organism will be conducted and strong connections will be built with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) for ensuring the right percentage of chlorine in the water.” Siddiqui said the health minister has called for another meeting to be held on Monday.
Dr Naseem Salahuddin, a senior consultant at Indus Hospital, said that there are almost no chances of survival when someone has been infected by the parasite. It gets into the brain where it multiplies, she said. Dr Salahuddin said that young people seem to be more vulnerable to infection but people from any age group can fall prey to the tiny organism. “There is no cure because there has been very little research on the subject.”
KWSB has established a monitoring cell to check water supply to the city. KWSB officers of all five districts have been directed to collect water samples and a report would be submitted to media daily.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2013.
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Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilaihe Rajeoon. Dangerous, very dangerous. Little research on the subject. "It goes into the brain and starts to multiply." And, there is no cure for it. Yes boiled water is the best remedy at the moment. Thanx and Salams
Very disappointing. Due to ineptitude of govt. officials, people will come to learn that this infection spreads during ablution and bathing. Two noble deeds will turn risky. What a disgrace.
@ali raza: There is a more convenient way, using chlorine in tank.
Special must be taken especially by karachi residents during ablution so that they dont take water too deep inside their nostrils and please wear nose buds while diving into an unknown pond or swimming pools. .
Please use, Boiled water for the ablution of anykind. (Ghusl or Wudu) While you rinse the water into your nose. So that the amoeba doesn't harm you! Well, That's what i read. Do a bit more research for your own sake! Thanks, Salam.