Brain-eating amoeba kills fourth victim in Sindh

A teenager has died in the Sindh province of Pakistan as a result of a brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. The death of the 17-year-old patient is the fourth linked to Naegleria this year.

- BY MARIAM KHAN

Although the situation is not unique to Pakistan, as the summer season intensifies, awareness and prevention surrounding this disease is crucial.

Found in water

Naegleria is most commonly found in stagnant and warm bodies of water, such as in lakes or swimming pools. However, Pakistan’s worsening infrastructure has greatly exacerbated the problem. Faulty water lines and pipes often allow for Naegleria and other bacteria to enter the water stream of residences.