THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, also known as “brain-eating amoeba,” in Kerala. In a statement to the press and on social media, he urged the public to take necessary precautions and avoid risky behaviors.
“I am deeply concerned about the rising number of cases of Amebic Meningitis (Naegleria fowleri) in Kerala. This is a very rare but extremely fatal disease,” Tharoor said. “I urge everyone to avoid taking risks. Be cautious while swimming or playing in freshwater bodies, as this is where the amoeba is typically found.”
Tharoor’s comments come amid a series of reported cases of the rare disease in different parts of the state. The most recent case was reported in the Wayanad district, where a 12-year-old girl tragically succumbed to the infection. The health department has since intensified its surveillance and has issued public health advisories to prevent further infections.
The former diplomat’s message was aimed at raising public awareness about the disease and its prevention. He emphasized that the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, enters the body through the nose when people swim or dive in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Once in the body, it travels to the brain and causes a severe, often fatal, infection.
The health department’s advisory, reinforced by Tharoor, includes recommendations such as:
Avoid swimming in stagnant or warm freshwater bodies.
Use nose clips or hold the nose shut while swimming or diving.
Avoid stirring up sediment at the bottom of freshwater bodies.
Ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools.
Tharoor’s statement is a reminder of the public health challenges facing the state and the need for a collective and informed response. He concluded his appeal by stating that while the disease is rare, its high fatality rate means that “every case is one too many.”
