Karnataka health dept issues alert for Sabarimala Pilgrims amid brain-eating amoeba cases in Kerala

With thousands visiting Sabarimala daily, Karnataka advises pilgrims to follow strict safety measures to avoid Naegleria fowleri infection.

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala has been opened for pilgrim darshan, drawing huge crowds of 60,000 to 70,000 devotees every day for the past three days. As the annual rush continues, the Karnataka Health Department has issued a safety advisory for devotees travelling from the state, warning them about the presence of Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, in parts of Kerala.

According to the advisory, the organism is a free-living amoeba typically found in warm freshwater, soil, stagnant ponds, and poorly maintained water bodies. While it does not spread from person to person or through drinking contaminated water, it becomes dangerous when infected water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause a rare but fatal condition known as Amoebic Meningoencephalitis.

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Health officials have urged Sabarimala pilgrims to take extra care during the journey, especially when bathing in natural water bodies or standing water. Devotees have been specifically advised to use nose clips while bathing and ensure that water does not enter the nasal passages. The department has stressed that preventing nasal exposure is the most effective way to avoid infection.

The circular also lists key early symptoms of the disease. Pilgrims are instructed to watch for signs such as fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, or changes in mental state, which typically appear within seven days of water exposure. Anyone developing these symptoms has been asked to seek immediate medical attention.

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With lakhs of devotees expected to visit Sabarimala over the coming weeks, Karnataka authorities have emphasized that awareness and simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection.