KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has asked the people of Karachi to take preventive measures to avoid falling prey to Naegleria fowleri – a rare but deadly waterborne amoeba that thrives in freshwater sources, ARY News reported on Saturday. told.

The minister expressed these views at a press conference here.

Sharjeel Inam Memon urged the public to refrain from swimming in pools that have not been properly chlorinated. He further advised the public to avoid activities that could cause water to enter the nose.

Memon further said that the provincial health department is actively working to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks associated with Naegleria disease.

The minister’s advice comes after three people died in the city last month due to a deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’.

Read more: Naegleria kills two more in Karachi

As it was feared with the advent of scorching heat, Naegleria has started claiming human lives and the situation demands more measures from the concerned authorities as the germ has little resistance due to poor chlorination in most parts of the city .

Chlorination is the main way to kill germs and keep deadly disease at bay. Another way is to use boiled water while cleaning the nose as the germs enter through the nasal cavity of the sufferer and attack the brain.