Karnataka issues safety advisory for Sabarimala pilgrims on brain-eating amoeba

Karnataka issues safety advisory for Sabarimala pilgrims on brain-eating amoeba

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 20, 2025: In view of recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri reported in Kerala, Sabarimala pilgrims from Karnataka are advised to remain alert about their health and follow necessary precautions to prevent infection.

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater and soil. The infection does not spread from person to person, nor does it occur by drinking contaminated water. It becomes dangerous only when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause a rare but fatal disease known as amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Pilgrims are advised to take precautions such as using nose clips or keeping the nose tightly closed while bathing in stagnant or warm freshwater during the pilgrimage to prevent water from entering the nasal passages.

If symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea/vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, altered mental state, or abnormal behaviour appear within seven days of water exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought at the nearest government hospital without delay, stated a release from the Office of the Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare Services.