KARACHI: Medical expert Dr. Muhammad Iqbal has revealed the presence of brain-eating dangerous amoeba (Naegleria) in almost 80 percent of the areas of Shahr Quaid.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, head of ICCBS, said that for the first time genotyping of dangerous amoeba that eats human brain (Naglire) has been done by Department of Biochemistry of Karachi University and Jamilur Rehman Center for Genome Research in different areas of Karachi. Testing of water samples taken from 71.79% of the areas revealed that the water content of chlorine is very low or non-existent.
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), head of University of Karachi and coordinator general of COMSTEC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, said during the conversation with foreign experts.
Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, head of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) of the University of Karachi, while talking to foreign experts, said that Pakistan is at the second level among the countries affected by Nigella and Karachi is the most affected by Nigella.
He said that the main cause of Naegleria is the poor water supply system, Naegleria is found in hot and fresh water and soil and can live in hot water up to 44 degrees Celsius, while this amoeba dies in salt water or chlorine.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal said that 40 water samples were taken from different areas of 18 towns to test for Naegleria, the test revealed that 71.79 percent of the areas have very little or no chlorine in the water, 28.21 percent of the water supply is The lines have chlorine residual but it is less than the amount set by WHO.
Dr. Muhammad Iqbal said that Naglir has been found in the water samples taken from Manora, North Karachi, New Karachi, Gulshan-i-Hadid, Malir, Quaidabad, Korangi, Kemari, Sohrab Goth, Lyari, and Golimar. He further said that the mortality rate among people infected with Naegleria is 98%, so citizens should take precautionary measures to prevent Nageleria.
Chief Engineer Electrical Mechanical Water Board Shisil Rajput said, “I have bulk pumping stations and filter plants in Karachi under which the water is tested regularly.” He said that 240 chlorine cylinders go to 9 filter plants in 6 different places every month in Karachi. 1 cylinder contains 900 kg chlorine.
He further said that water comes to Dhaba through Kenjhar, from there we get 500 million gallons of water daily from suction pumps and 100 million gallons from Hub Dam, which has chlorination in filter plants. 24 hours working for and maintain minute chlorine at 1 part.
He said that different chemists take daily samples and examine them in the laboratory and then supply water with 25% chlorine to the consumers. Improper cleaning of swimming pools, overhead tanks and underground tanks leads to accumulation of soil which eats up the chlorine which leads to Nigellaria.
Ekhta Rajput said that cleaning should be done every month, the tanks of tall buildings should be cleaned and after every fortnight 2 chlorine tablets should be added so that the quality of cleaning is better and the water is drinkable.
