Pakistan reports first naegleria fowleri death of the year in Karachi

KARACHI: Pakistan has confirmed its first death from Naegleria fowleri this year, as a 36-year-old woman from Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, succumbed to the brain-eating amoeba, the Sindh Health Department reported on Monday.

According to health officials, the woman developed symptoms on February 18 and was admitted to a private hospital on February 19. Despite medical efforts, she passed away on February 23, and lab tests later confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection on February 24.

Authorities noted that the deceased had no history of swimming or water-related activities. Her only known exposure to water was through ablution (wuzu) at home, raising concerns about the presence of the amoeba in domestic water supplies.

In 2024, Pakistan has reported five deaths due to Naegleria fowleri—four in Karachi and one in Hyderabad. Health officials continue to stress the importance of water chlorination and public awareness to prevent further cases.