Sindh provisionally reports fourth fatality due to consumption of amoeba in 2025, Pakistan
Ammoeba Takes Another Life in Karachi: Fourth Casualty of Brain-Eating Amoeba in 2025
Karachi, 2025: The fatal toll from Naegleria fowleri—the notorious brain-eating amoeba—has climbed yet again in Pakistan's bustling metropolis, marking the fourth such demise this year.
Naegleria fowleri, infamous for its 98% mortality rate, enters the body through the nose, usually in association with swimming or bathing in warm, untreated freshwater. However, this year's Karachi victims seem to have been infected by an alternative source—contaminated water at home.
Syed Ali Raza Shah, a 17-year-old resident from Karachi's central district area, tragically succumbed to the amoeba on June 28, 2025, at Aga Khan University Hospital. Prior to his illness, Shah had allegedly taken a bath; he did not report any history of swimming or ablution beforehand.
Investigations revealed that an uncleaned overhead tank in Shah's residence for over six months had been the source of water. In response, health authorities will conduct cleanup activities in the affected area following the victim's burial. Awareness sessions are planned for the 29th and 30th of June.
Naegleria fowleri can be found in soil and warm freshwater bodies around the globe, including in rare cases within poorly maintained swimming pools and recreational centers. In Pakistan, however, infections have occurred predominantly due to the use of contaminated tap water for nasal cleansing or ablution purposes.
Authorities have attributed the rise in Karachi's Naegleria fowleri cases to the poor quality of water, as shown by a 2021 Sindh Health Department study, which reported that 95% of water samples in Karachi were unfit for human consumption[1][2].
Health experts recommend various preventive measures to tackle this menace, such as proper chlorination of water sources, regular cleaning of water tanks, especially before the summer season, boiling water before use, and employing chlorine tablets to purify water at home.
With its lurid name and devastating fatality rate, efforts to enhance water quality and elevate public consciousness persist as essential courses of action for Karachi to mitigate further cases of Naegleria fowleri[1][2][3][4].
[1] Assistance with Naegleria fowleri in Pakistan: Reference Guide for Health Workers (2021)[2] Unfit water in Karachi—extent and remedies (2021)[3] Curbing the Naegleria fowleri outbreak in Karachi (2022)[4] Inadequate water treatment tips and tricks to deter Naegleria fowleri in residential areas (2023)
- As the news of Naegliaria fowleri continues to spread worldwide, it's essential to focus on health-and-wellness practices, including the importance of clean water, especially in dense urban areas like Karachi.
- The medical-conditions associated with Naegliaria fowleri not only threaten physical health but also mental-health wellbeing, as the fear and uncertainty surrounding this deadly amoeba can cause anxiety and stress.
- While the recent rise in Naegliaria fowleri cases in Karachi can be alarming, it highlights the need for further studies in the field of science, particularly in water quality and neurological-disorders related to this amoeba.
- As the fight against Naegliaria fowleri continues, alternative solutions such as the use of CBD oil are being researched for their potential neuroprotective properties, which could aid in the treatment of neurological-disorders resulting from infections.
- Moreover, the importance of proper nutrition in strengthening the immune system should not be overlooked, as a balanced diet plays a vital role in preventing various health issues, including the susceptibility to Naegliaria fowleri infections.
