Naegleria Fowleri Virus In Pakistan

Naegleria Fowleri Transmission Cycle

Cases of Naegleria Fowleri are being reported in Pakistan. Naegleria is a microscopic amoeba that can cause a very rare, but severe, infection of the brain. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater (for example, lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Only one species of Naegleria infects humans: Naegleria fowleri. Naegleria fowleri infects people by entering the body through the nose. This typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated tap water < 47°C) enters the nose. Once the amoeba enters the brain, it causes a usually fatal infection called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is advised that you use boiled water because this virus can send a person into coma and can be fatal. Please take care of yourself and your children and hopefully we won't be hearing about any more fatalities caused by this virus.