Is Naegleria fowleri in Pakistan?

Officials with the Sindh Health Department are reporting the first death due to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri in 2022, according to a report in The News.

Where are brain-eating amoeba found?

Naegleria fowleri is found around the world, often in warm or hot freshwater (lakes, rivers, and hot springs). It is commonly found in lakes in southern-tier states, but has caused infections in more northern states, including Minnesota. The ameba grows best in warm or hot water.

How many cases of Naegleria are there in Pakistan?

The first case of PAM was reported in 2008, and up until October, 2019, 146 cases had been reported from Karachi. In only a decade, the number of PAM cases in Pakistan exceeded those reported in the USA in half a century (ie, 142 cases between 1968 and 2019).

What happens when you get a brain-eating amoeba?

The initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations.

Is Naegleria curable?

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival. The recommended treatment for naegleria infection is a combination of drugs, including: Amphotericin B, an antifungal drug that is usually injected into a vein (intravenously) or into the space around the spinal cord to kill the amoebas.

How do you get Naegleria?

Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the ameba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM, which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers.

When do Naegleria fowleri symptoms start?

The symptoms of naegleria infection generally begin within two to 15 days of exposure to the amoeba. Initial signs and symptoms often include: Fever. Sudden, severe headache.