Sabarimala Pilgrims Warned of Deadly Amoeba

Karnataka's Health Department issued an urgent advisory on Tuesday for pilgrims making their way to the revered Sabarimala temple. The warning specifically addresses the potential risk of amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a dangerous infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba."

The advisory clarifies that this virulent amoeba is primarily found in warm freshwater sources and muddy environments. It importantly notes that the infection does not spread through person-to-person contact or by drinking contaminated water, alleviating some common fears among the public.

To mitigate risks, pilgrims are strongly advised to take preventative measures, such as using nose clips or firmly holding their nose while bathing in stagnant water bodies. This action aims to prevent the amoeba from entering the nasal passages, which is its primary route to the brain. Individuals experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, nausea, neck stiffness, or behavioral changes within seven days of water exposure are urged to report to the nearest hospital without delay.