Sabarimala Yatra 2025: Kerala Health Advisory on Brain Eating Amoeba Infection – Complete Safety Guide for Ayyappa Devotees.

As the sacred Sabarimala Yatra 2025 begins, millions of Ayyappa devotees from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh prepare for their annual pilgrimage. This year, the Government of Kerala has issued a strict health advisory after an increase in cases related to the Brain Eating Amoeba Fever Infection. With more than 40 reported deaths and 100+ infected patients currently under treatment, health authorities are urging all Sabarimala travellers to follow precautionary measures without fail.

Every year, nearly 4 crore (40 million) Ayyappa Swamy devotees visit Sabarimala between November, December and January. The huge crowd, long travel routes, forest pathways, and use of natural water sources create a higher health risk if proper safety guidelines are not followed. This advisory aims to ensure safe darshan and a healthy pilgrimage for all travellers.

What Is Brain Eating Amoeba Fever Infection?

The Brain Eating Amoeba is scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. It is a rare but extremely dangerous microorganism found in untreated, warm, stagnant water. This amoeba enters the human body only through the nose. It does not spread through drinking water. Once it enters through nasal passages, it reaches the brain and infects the membranes, causing a serious condition called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

This microorganism is not native to India, but in recent years it has been detected in tropical countries, especially in warm freshwater sources such as:

• Ponds

• Streams

• Lakes

• Old wells

• Stagnant water bodies

Many travellers stop at open water bodies during their journey to refresh, wash, or bathe. This increases the risk of exposure to contaminated water.

How Does Naegleria fowleri Spread?

The amoeba spreads only when contaminated water enters the nose. It does not spread through person-to-person contact, food, or drinking.

Typical risk situations include:

• Splashing water on the face

• Swimming in ponds or rivers

• Using natural streams to wash the face

• Dipping head into temple tanks

• Using unsafe nasal rinsing water

Once inside the nasal passage, the amoeba moves to the brain and causes serious infection within 1 to 12 days.

Symptoms of Brain Eating Amoeba Infection During Sabarimala Travel

Health authorities and WHO have identified several early and advanced symptoms. Devotees should be alert if they experience any of the following during or after the pilgrimage:

• High fever

• Severe or unbearable headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sudden shaking, chills or tremors

• Stiff neck and extreme sensitivity to bright light

• Loss of balance or disorientation

• Sudden confusion or unusual behaviour

• Seizures

• Coma in advanced cases

If any of these symptoms appear, immediate medical care is essential. Delaying treatment can be fatal.

Precautions for Sabarimala Devotees – How to Stay Safe From Brain Eating Amoeba?

The Kerala Health Department and expert doctors have recommended essential safety precautions. All devotees travelling for Ayyappa Swamy Darshan must strictly follow these instructions:

1. Use Only Purified or Packaged Drinking Water

• Drink RO purified, UV sterilized, or sealed packaged water.

• Avoid drinking from roadside taps, hand pumps, streams or temple wells.

• Carry your own water bottles during trekking.

2. Avoid Bathing in Ponds, Lakes, Rivers or Streams

Naegleria fowleri grows in warm and stagnant water. Therefore:

• Do not swim or take a bath in ponds or rivers during the journey.

• Avoid washing your face or head with water from natural sources.

• Do not dip your head in temple tanks or step-wells.

3. Use Sterilized Water for Nasal Rinsing

The amoeba enters only through the nose, so:

• Use sterilized, boiled and cooled or distilled water for nasal or throat cleaning.

• Avoid tap water or natural water bodies for snana, jalabhishekam or cleansing rituals.

4. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene During Travel

• Wash hands frequently with soap, especially after using public restrooms.

• Use sanitizers during trekking and before eating food.

• Wear clean, dry clothes and avoid sitting near dirty water bodies.

5. Do Not Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing:

• Nasal sprays

• Inhalers

• Water bottles

• Towels or handkerchiefs

• Meditation or pooja items that touch the face

6. Avoid Visiting Infected Patients Without Protection

If someone you know exhibits amoeba-related symptoms:

• Do not visit without proper protective gear.

• Maintain a safe distance and encourage them to seek medical help immediately.

7. Do Not Use Self-Medication

This infection requires advanced medical diagnosis, including:

• Critical care observation

• Laboratory tests

• Brain biopsy in rare cases

Only specialised doctors with neurological expertise can handle PAM (Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis).

Additional Health Tips for Sabarimala Yatra 2025

To ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage:

• Carry a personal first-aid kit.

• Wear comfortable footwear for trekking.

• Keep ORS packets to prevent dehydration.

• Avoid consuming street food if hygiene looks doubtful.

• Rest well before climbing the Sabarimala hills.

• Follow crowd guidelines issued by Kerala Police and Devaswom Board.