Pathanamthitta: The Kerala Health Department has urged Sabarimala pilgrims to take precautions while performing the ritual bath in the Pamba River, warning of the risk of amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Pilgrims have been advised to tightly pinch their nose or use a nose clip to prevent water from entering the nasal passage during the dip.

Officials clarified that the chances of the disease-causing amoeba being present in the fast-flowing Pamba are low. However, stagnation can occur in certain parts of the Triveni area when the water flow slows down, creating favourable conditions for the amoeba to survive. The department has also stated that steps will be taken to restrict pilgrims from accessing such pond-like stagnant pockets in the river.

Similarly, the Health Department has issued instructions to the Travancore Devaswom Board and local self-government bodies to carry out chlorination of temple ponds across the state, where Sabarimala pilgrims take bath during the season.