Lethal infection

The number of Naegleria fowleri deaths in Karachi has reached six. The brain-eating amoeba is usually found in freshwater lakes, ponds, swimming pools and unchlorinated tap water. Swimming pools with unhygienic conditions – in gyms and farm houses – are home to this amoeba. It is important to mention here that the water that we’re receiving at our homes through direct water lines, managed by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), or through water tankers is not free from contamination. This is why it is important that people take precautionary measures and use chlorine tablets to disinfect water tanks.

Also, the relevant authorities should ensure that all swimming pools are properly chlorinated. Those places that fail to meet the safety and hygiene standards must be heavily fined. We are already in the middle of a global pandemic; we should take all the possible steps to keep ourselves safe from this life-threatening infection.

Malik ul Quddoos

Karachi