Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :
In a tragic turn of events, a 22-year-old man named Aurangzeb recently passed away in Karachi, Pakistan, due to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the ‘brain-eating’ amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This marks the third casualty from the deadly infection in the city this year.
Aurangzeb contracted the disease after a picnic with friends at a farmhouse in Quaidabad, where they went for a swim in a pool. He started showing symptoms like nausea and fever the next day and was admitted to the hospital shortly after. Unfortunately, the virus was confirmed, and he lost his battle with the infection.
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm, freshwater and soil. It infects humans when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose, often during activities like swimming or diving. The infection progresses rapidly and is fatal in 98% of cases.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness about the risks of such infections. Stay informed, take precautions, and prioritize your health and well-being.
‘Brain-eating’ amoeba claims life of 22-year-old in Pakistan’s Karachi, makes it third such case this year
When news broke of a 22-year-old in Karachi, Pakistan falling victim to a ‘brain-eating’ amoeba, it sent shockwaves through the community. This tragic incident marks the third case of such a nature in the city this year, raising concerns about the safety of water sources in the region. How did this deadly amoeba find its way into the water supply, and what can be done to prevent further tragedies?
### What is a ‘brain-eating’ amoeba?
The ‘brain-eating’ amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri, is a rare and deadly parasite that thrives in warm freshwater environments. When contaminated water enters the body through the nose, the amoeba can travel to the brain and cause a rare but often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
### How does the infection occur?
In most cases, the infection occurs when individuals engage in activities such as swimming or diving in warm bodies of freshwater, where the amoeba is present. Once the amoeba enters the nasal passages, it can travel to the brain and start causing symptoms within a few days.
### What are the symptoms of PAM?
Symptoms of PAM can include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness. As the infection progresses, individuals may experience confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and ultimately, coma.
### How can PAM be prevented?
Preventing PAM involves avoiding activities in warm freshwater where the amoeba may be present. Using nose clips or holding the nose shut while swimming can also help reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, ensuring that water sources are properly treated and maintained can help eliminate the presence of the amoeba.
In conclusion, the recent cases of ‘brain-eating’ amoeba infections in Karachi serve as a reminder of the importance of water safety and public health measures. By raising awareness about the risks of this deadly parasite and taking preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the incidence of such tragic incidents in the future.
