Can you swim in untreated freshwater? Know risks, safe options
Kerala has seen a sharp rise in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
By mid-September 2024, 69 people had been infected and 19 had died.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor urged everyone to avoid swimming in untreated freshwater, reassuring that seawater, chlorinated pools, and your water at home are safe options.
Health Minister Veena George says there are no new clusters this year, and the state is increasing surveillance and early detection efforts.
Know about PAM
Naegleria fowleri lives in warm freshwater and infects people through the nose—usually when swimming or bathing—then attacks the brain.
Symptoms can show up within a week and include headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, seizures, or even coma.
PAM is almost always fatal but isn't spread person-to-person or found in saltwater.
With summer heat making swims tempting, knowing where it's safe could literally save your life.