A New Disease Enters Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan – Health officials in Lahore have confirmed the first case of Naegleria fowleri, a deadly amoeba causing parasitic meningitis, within the metropolis this year. The patient, a 30-year-old individual, was admitted to Services Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment, as reported by SAMAA. According to Dr. Ehtisham Haque, the Medical Superintendent at Services Hospital, the patient displayed a range of symptoms including persistent headache and fever over the past four days. This marks the fourth case of this lethal infection reported in Pakistan in 2023, with the previous three cases occurring in Karachi.

Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), thrives in untreated, freshwater sources and soil. It is typically found in stagnant or slow-moving water with temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The transmission of this amoeba occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, usually during activities such as diving or jumping into freshwater. It is important to note that PAM cannot be transmitted from person to person or through the consumption of contaminated water. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels along the olfactory nerve, ultimately reaching the brain and causing severe damage to brain tissue.

The onset of symptoms typically occurs approximately five days after infection. Early signs, often mistaken for influenza or bacterial meningitis, include headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience loss of balance, a stiff neck, seizures, and hallucinations. It is crucial to note that the disease progresses rapidly following the onset of symptoms, and if left untreated, it often leads to death within two weeks of the initial infection. Health authorities emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection. Public awareness campaigns promoting safe water practices and precautions during recreational water activities, particularly in freshwater bodies, are essential in mitigating the spread of this deadly amoeba.

As the medical community continues to treat the patient in Lahore, it remains imperative for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public to collaborate closely in raising awareness about Naegleria fowleri and implementing preventive measures to safeguard public health against this potentially fatal infection.