Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed deep concern over the cases of increasing amoebic meningoensephalitis / Pam in Kerala on Sunday (September 21, 2025). He appealed to the people of Kerala and said that they should not swim in fresh water at the moment.
Since the beginning of this year in Kerala, there have been about 69 cases of primary amybic meningo sensesphilitis, out of which 19 people have died. This infection spreads from an amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri, which is usually called ‘brain-eating amoeba’ i.e. ‘brain eating amoeba’. A total of 52 cases were registered in the state till 12 September.
Unfortunately swimming in fresh water is dangerous- Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP from news agency ANI Shashi Tharoor said, ‘This is a very sad situation. Many people are falling prey to this deadly virus after swimming in fresh water. It looks very dangerous. Some doctors are advising people to avoid swimming in fresh water until any other solution is found. I also appeal that do not take any kind of danger and do not go into fresh water.
However, he also said that some water sources are safe, but there is a threat in untreated natural water bodies. He said, ‘I believe this problem is due to some amoeba. I think sea water, soft water is safe. The water of the house and chlorine water in the swimming pool is also safe. But unfortunately it is dangerous to swim in fresh water.
Kerala Health Minister gave information about the situation
At the same time, Kerala Health Minister Veena George made it clear on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) that there is no cluster case of Primary Amibic MeningoCencice (PAM) in 2025, although in 2024 last year, clusters connected to a general water source were found.
He also confirmed that 69 cases of PAM have been registered so far this year and 19 of them have died.
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