KARACHI: The Karachi Metr­opolitan Corporation on Monday issued precautionary measures to prevent Naegleria, commonly referred to as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’, during the ongoing monsoon season.

The medical and health services department of the city’s municipal administration informed the citizens that they could protect themselves and their families from getting infected with Naegleria by fully implementing the measures.

However, if one develops symptoms such as fever, headache, neck pain, nausea, blurred vision, insomnia and lack of sleep, he should consult a doctor immediately and follow the doctor’s instructions, the advisory said.

Citizens have been asked to avoid bathing in water that has been accumulated either due to rain during the monsoon or as a result of leaks from dilapidated water supply pipelines.

“If you have to bathe in pools, lakes and swimming pools in recreational areas, keep your head high, otherwise Naegleria bacteria can enter the body through the nose and destroy brain cells,” the advisory read.

It added that prevention of other epidemic diseases, including Naegleria, would be possible only when necessary measures were taken at the government level as well as awareness was raised among the citizens themselves.

The citizens should take precautionary measures issued by the medical institutions to protect the health of themselves and their families.

The advisory said that Naegleria was likely to spread during the monsoon season, so citizens should take all possible precautions.

It added that the major source of Naegleria infection was warm, fresh water and unchlorinated water supplies, and the disease manifested as severe disease within two to 15 days after the bacteria enter the body.

The citizens have been advised to use boiled water for ablution and bath and avoid rinsing the nose with unchlorinated or boiled water while suffering from a common cold or nasal congestion.

“Use one tablespoon of bleach per 1,000 liters of water to prevent infection. Clean the above and underground water tanks in the house twice a year,” the advisory said.

The advisory asked the citizens to follow the precautionary measures issued to prevent Naegleria and other germs.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2022