ISLAMABAD — A waterborne parasite commonly known as “brain-eating ameba” has killed 10 people in Pakistan's largest city, a Pakistani official with the World Health Organization said Tuesday. The amoeba — Naegleria fowleri — lives in warm, unclean water. It can infect the human nervous system, though this occurs rarely. In those cases it is difficult to treat and can lead to death in about a week. Musa Khan, in charge of WHO's Disease Early Warning System in Pakistan, said the deaths were reported in the city of Karachi from March to September. He said municipal authorities launched a campaign in the area to ensure the supply of clean water to residents. Other parts of Pakistan have also been alerted but so far no cases have been reported elsewhere, Khan said. — AP
