The Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday was deeply worried by the increasing cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, and he urged people not to go swimming in untreated fresh water bodies. The disease, which is caused by the Naegleria fowleri organism or the so-called brain-eating amoeba, has already taken away 19 lives in the state, raising panic.
Tharoor said to a news agency that this is a seriously disturbing state of affairs. “It is a very sad story. Several individuals have also been infected with this deadly disease upon swimming in freshwater bodies, he added. The MP advised the citizens to avoid such waters until a lasting solution is determined by the health experts. There are doctors who are vehemently discouraging fresh water swimming. I strongly support that request – do not take chances. Fine, but not freshwater until it has been proved to be alright: seawater, household water, and chlorinated swimming pool water are fine.”
The health authorities in Kerala are on high alert, and Health Minister Veena George explained on Tuesday that there are no existing clusters of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases in 2025. She described how, in 2024, clusters were defined and they were connected to a common source of water.
“Of the official figures,” George said, “we had 69 reported cases and of those, 19 deaths. We ordered health workers to investigate every incident of meningococcal meningitis properly after the Nipah outbreak in 2023.”
She stressed the role of vigilance, early reporting, and immediate treatment. In case the amoeba is identified by doctors, they should promptly initiate the treatment of amoebic meningencephalitis. The minister emphasized on the importance of early diagnosis.
As the state increases its surveillance campaigns, the health authorities and political leaders are urging citizens to be careful and focus on safety so as to avoid more deaths.
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News