STOCK IMAGE
According to the focal person of the Naegleria Control Committee, Dr Syed Zafar Mehdi, a 22-year-old girl, resident of Orangi Town, died after being affected by the amoeba. Dr Mehdi added that the amoeba was able to affect the victim due to lack of chlorine in the potable water supplied by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB).
The deceased was admitted to a private hospital in Nazimabad on July 23 in critical condition. She passed away on July 27. The health and KWSB officials have yet to collect samples from the area and inquire into the medical history of the deceased.
Read: Naegleria claims eighth victim in Karachi
This is the eight reported death in the city. Health officials believe, however, that the death toll could rise as there is an acute shortage of chlorine in the water supply.
Despite frequent deaths reported from different parts of the city and unavailability of chlorine in the water samples collected across the city, the KWSB has failed to maintain chlorination.
Read: Officials ‘unaware’ of two naegleria-related deaths in Clifton
"There is no chlorine at 95 per cent of the pump houses," claimed Dr Mehdi. "It is an alarming situation." He said that top officials, despite being informed about the situation, have not taken serious measures.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2015.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ