Brain-eating bug kills ten in Pakistan
Naegleria fowleri is almost always fatal and is transmitted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. It cannot be passed person to person. The ten confirmed deaths have all occurred in the southern port city of Karachi, said Dr Musa Khan, head of the WHO’s disease early warning system in Pakistan.
The amoeba travels from the nasal membranes to the brain. Symptoms include a headache, stiff neck, fever and stomach pain. Death occurs five to seven days after infection.
“People should avoid getting water too deep into their nostrils and make sure their water supply is properly treated,” warned Mr Khan.