How is the brain-eating Naegleria virus spreading in Karachi?

Karachi – The rapid spread of the brain-eating Naegleria virus in Karachi has been linked to the supply of underground water through illegal water tankers.

Experts have revealed that water samples taken from 50 union councils in Karachi showed a 95% presence of Naegleria. A large portion of the city’s population relies on tanker water, which is often unregulated and lacks proper chlorination, creating a breeding ground for the deadly virus.

While the government supplies chlorinated water from only six official hydrants, illegal hydrants operate on a large scale, selling untreated water worth millions daily. According to the Water Board, only 400 tankers are registered, whereas more than 7,000 illegal tankers operate across the city, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.