First brain-eating amoeba death reported in Karachi

Karachi has reported its first confirmed death from Naegleria fowleri in 2026 after a 44-year-old man from Korangi lost his life to a severe brain infection caused by the deadly amoeba.

According to hospital officials, the patient was admitted to a private hospital on July 5 with a high fever, a severe headache, and neurological complications. Laboratory tests confirmed the Naegleria infection on July 6. Despite intensive medical treatment and ventilator support, doctors were unable to save his life, and he later succumbed to the infection.

Family members said the deceased had not travelled recently and had not visited any swimming pools or water parks. They believe contaminated water may have entered his nose during ablution (wudu), although health authorities have not officially confirmed the source of the infection.

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Health experts said Naegleria fowleri is a rare but extremely dangerous amoeba that enters the body through the nose. It causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing brain infection with a very high fatality rate. The Sindh Health Department confirmed that this is the province’s first reported Naegleria case and death of 2026.

Officials have advised residents to ensure that household water tanks are properly chlorinated and to prevent untreated water from entering the nose during activities such as bathing or ablution. They said proper water disinfection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.