Pakistan Medical Association has also provided preventive measures to prevent Nigella infection. Photo: File
Karachi: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has said in a statement that there have been three deaths in Karachi so far due to Nigellaria and this matter should not be ignored.
The PMA has said that the death toll could be higher than the reported number. Unfortunately, a large part of the population is deprived of clean drinking water. Contaminated water is being used forcefully, leading to waterborne diseases, typhoid, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, cholera and invasion by Nigellaria fowleri amoeba.
Naegleria fowleri amoeba is a type of bacteria that reaches the brain membrane through the nose and starts eating the brain. In 95% of cases it proves fatal and causes death. Naegleria fowleri is found in moist soil, water bodies (eg lakes, ponds and rivers), contaminated water bodies, bathing pools and water supply pipes.
After a nose-to-brain attack, the victim becomes ill within one to nine days. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, high fever, difficulty sleeping and semi-consciousness. Before death, the patient goes into complete unconsciousness.
The PMA, in a statement, said it is concerned that cases of Nigellaria have originated from the water supply of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board within Karachi limits. Filtration and chlorination of water supplied to the city is questionable. In addition, the water supply system in the city is very dilapidated and prone to breakdowns, due to which sewage is entering the clean water lines, making the water highly polluted, causing dangerous diseases.
Precautions
People have to take precautionary measures to avoid this dangerous disease. Always drink boiled water, do not bathe with contaminated water or wash your hands or mouth. Do not swim in a swimming pool that is not chlorinated while washing your mouth and do not put your finger in your nose as this can cause the bacteria Nigella to enter your nose.
The PMA advises the government to provide chlorinated clean water to the citizens to avoid any untoward situation.The public is also requested to add chlorine to their underground water tanks (one tablet per 1000 gallons of water), houses. Also, add chlorine to the tanks of hospitals, schools, shopping malls and offices.
Finally, all doctors, especially general practitioners / family physicians, are requested that if a patient comes to them with the symptoms of headache, nausea and high fever, they must think of Nigelria while taking it seriously and get tested so that it is not too late. People are also requested to consult a doctor immediately in case of headache, nausea and high fever.
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