Faecal Bacteria in Ganga at Prayagraj? Doctor Advises Caution for Maha Kumbh 2025 Devotees

Amid concerns over the presence of faecal bacteria in the Ganga at Prayagraj, a senior consultant in internal medicine from Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has warned devotees attending Kumbh Mela to take health precautions while taking a holy dip.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Faecal bacteria in Ganga at Prayagraj, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital says, "We are definitely seeing people with medical problems who are coming back from Kumbh, but obviously in a place which has so many people taking a… pic.twitter.com/eLT7M2qXQc

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

Medical Issues Emerging from Kumbh

The doctor noted that while a massive number of people are participating in the religious gathering, cases of gastrointestinal issues, fever, and respiratory infections have been observed among returning pilgrims.

"We are definitely seeing people with medical problems who are coming back from Kumbh, but obviously, in a place with so many people taking a dip in the water, we would expect that this would happen. The number of cases remains low compared to the total volume of visitors, indicating that overall control has been good," the doctor stated.

Common Health Concerns Reported

Gastroenteritis: Symptoms include loose motions, vomiting, and fever, likely caused by contaminated water or food.

Respiratory Infections: Pilgrims are reporting cold, cough, and sneezing due to exposure to crowded conditions and early morning dips in cold water.

Fever of Unspecified Origin: Many cases appear to be viral infections, which are common in such large gatherings.

Precautionary Measures for Devotees

The doctor advised visitors to take the following precautions to reduce health risks:

✅ Carry clean drinking water from home or bottled water from a trusted source.

✅ Avoid consuming raw or unhygienic food—stick to well-cooked meals from hygienic sources.

✅ Wear a mask to prevent respiratory infections, especially in crowded areas.

✅ Maintain distance from people showing signs of illness.

✅ Do not ingest river water while taking a dip in the Ganga.

With the Kumbh Mela attracting millions of devotees, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of hygiene and safety to prevent the spread of infections.