Alert Issued for Sabarimala Pilgrims: Karnataka Government Releases Advisory Over Amoeba Threat — Read the Guidelines

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a health advisory for Sabarimala pilgrims following reports of Naegleria fowleri infections — a rare but deadly microorganism commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The advisory aims to spread awareness and ensure preventive measures during the ongoing pilgrimage season.

Health Department Commissioner stated that Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm fresh water, stagnant ponds, pits, sand, and swimming pools. Crucially, the infection does not spread from person to person, nor does it occur by drinking contaminated water.

Why the Advisory Was Issued

Naegleria fowleri can enter the human body when contaminated water enters through the nose, from where it may reach the brain and cause Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) — a rare but often fatal condition.

With cases reported in parts of Karnataka and Kerala, authorities have urged pilgrims to take strict precautions, especially while bathing in natural water bodies during the Sabarimala journey.

Guidelines for Pilgrims

Health officials have recommended the following:

• Ensure water does not enter the nose while bathing.
• Use nose clips during ritual baths and while in natural water sources.
• Avoid swimming in stagnant or warm water bodies.
• Be alert to symptoms such as:
• Fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Confusion or behavioral changes

Anyone showing these symptoms after water exposure must seek immediate treatment at the nearest government hospital.

Kerala Issues Parallel Advisory

With the start of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season, Kerala has also issued a similar advisory, reinforcing that no pilgrim should allow water to enter the nasal passage while bathing. The warning comes amid a rise in amoebic meningitis cases in the region.

Massive Influx of Pilgrims

Sabarimala has witnessed a surge in visitors as the ‘Mandal-Makaravilakku’ season begins.
Within 48 hours of the temple opening, nearly two lakh devotees visited the hill shrine.

According to official data:

• 53,278 pilgrims visited on November 16, the day the temple opened.
• Heavy crowds at Pampa and the climb to Sannidhanam resulted in long queues, with waiting times stretching up to 10 hours.

Authorities are on high alert as the rush continues to increase from Karnataka, one of the states with a large Ayyappa devotee base.