KMC Administrator Hashim Zaidi has said that measures for protection from naegleria were underway and 170 samples of water from various areas of the metropolis have been collected in this connection and its chlorine quality has also been checked.
Federal B Area was affected by this disease last year, therefore a survey of this area had been conducted and water samples were taken in to prevent the spread of diseases.
He said this while talking with reporters at a seminar held on the topic of “Mother and Child Health in Civic Centre”.
Administrator Zaidi said that naegleria was a dangerous disease and an urgent meeting was called after the corporation received information about existence of naegleria germs. The meeting was attended by officials of Health Services Department, Municipal Services, Water Board and representatives of World Health Organisation. On this occasion a comprehensive plan for dealing with naegleria was prepared.
The Karachi administrator said that despite the shortage of funds, necessary medicines and other items required for treatment and protection from naegleria were being provided in KMC hospitals and clinics. After the payment of salaries and pensions of employees, the health sector was our first priority, and in this connection the health department was directed that an awareness campaign on a large scale should be launched to provide people with information through seminars, bill boards and media.
Further, the administrator informed that water sampling work was underway in various areas and concentration was mainly diverted towards kachi abadis.
He said water samples for testing were being taken from water reservoirs in all small and big areas of the metropolis. Since this germ got more active in summer season and entered the human brain via the nose, therefore the citizens were informed to use chlorine water while washing their face and for ablution.
Moreover, he said that precautionary measures could protect from this disease and the KMC was making all possible arrangements in this regard to inject a suitable quantity of chlorine in its swimming pools, so as to maintain cleanliness.
Underground and overhead tanks should be cleaned and every possible precaution should be taken for protection from this disease, he added.
