Woman died cause of Naegleria fowleri, known as brain-eating amoeba, found in Karachi’s water

In Karachi’s busy town, a quiet but dangerous threat lives within the city’s water supply Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoeba. This rare but fatal microorganism has taken but every other life, making very urgent questions regarding water security in the city.

The Tragic Death of Maryam Shakeel

On the 19th of February 2025, 36-year-old Maryam Shakeel of Gulshan-e-Iqbal was previously hospitalized in a nearby clinic with severe fever and neurological manifestations. She did not improve despite aggressive clinical management, her condition worsening precipitously until she died on the 24th of February due to contamination. Laboratory analysis revealed the existence of ‘Naegleria fowleri’, proving the lethal nature of the amoeba.

Knowing Naegleria Fowleri: The Brain-Eating Amoeba

*Naegleria fowleri* is a free-living amoeba found in hot freshwater habitats like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Infection occurs upon entry of the contaminated water through the nasal pathway, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain, causing most significant amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This condition is almost universally lethal, with a mortality rate greater than 97%.

The Alarming Presence in Karachi’s Water Supply

Traditionally, ‘Naegleria fowleri’ infections have been associated with recreational water activities. Nevertheless, most recent cases in Karachi, including Maryam’s, have occurred without any reports of such activities, pointing towards the municipal water supply as the cause. Investigations have reported inadequate chlorination measures by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), cultivating an environment fertile for the amoeba’s growth.

A Recurring Crisis: The Pattern of Neglect

This is no longer a remote incident. In 2023, Karachi saw a few deaths due to Naegleria, and fitness experts called upon the authorities to ensure proper applicable chlorination of the water supply. Even after these warnings, there are still gaps in water remedy, leading to regular tragedies.

Regular monitoring is much needed

The frequent loss of life highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in Karachi’s water supply. Provision of adequate chlorination levels, regular monitoring, and development of infrastructure are essential to protecting public health. The KWSB should take these steps to prevent such casualties.

Empowering Citizens: Steps to Personal Safety

Although systemic changes are necessary, citizens can take steps to minimize risk:

• Employ Boiled or Filtered Water: When conducting activities with nasal exposure, including ablution or nasal irrigation, employ boiled or as it ought to be filtered water.
• Do Not Allow Nasal Exposure to Untreated Water: Do not allow water to enter the nostril at some point during bathing or swimming in untreated water bodies.
• Keep Domestic Water Storage: Smooth and disinfect water storage containers regularly to prevent contamination.

The ghastly death of Maryam Shakeel is a grim reminder of the underlying danger within Karachi’s water system. It is a clarion call to every authorities and citizen to assume the momentary and constant movement against the threat of *Naegleria fowleri*. Only through shared watchfulness and initiative can we hope to prevent similar loss of lives to this pernicious agent.

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