Kerala Health Alert: Brain-Eating Amoeba Outbreak Sees 69 Cases, 19 Deaths This Year

Kerala is grappling with an alarming public health crisis as the deadly “brain-eating amoeba” (Naegleria fowleri) continues to spread across the state. According to official figures, 69 cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been confirmed this year, resulting in 19 deaths so far. The numbers represent a sharp rise compared to 36 cases and 9 fatalities reported in 2024.

The amoeba, commonly found in warm and stagnant freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and improperly treated tanks, infects humans when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. From there, it travels to the brain, causing PAM — a rare but almost always fatal infection.

Cases Spread Across Districts

Unlike previous outbreaks where infections were traced to single water sources, this year’s cases are isolated and sporadic across multiple districts of Kerala. This scattered pattern has made it harder for health officials to trace sources and implement containment measures. Among the recent victims is a three-month-old infant, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the disease.

Symptoms and Survival Rate

PAM often begins with fever, severe headache, nausea, and vomiting, before rapidly progressing to confusion, seizures, coma, and death. The speed of deterioration makes early diagnosis critical.

Globally, the fatality rate of Naegleria fowleri infections is above 95%. However, Kerala has reported an improved survival rate of about 24% due to early detection, aggressive treatment protocols, and use of the drug miltefosine, which has been added to the state’s frontline therapy.

Government Response

The Kerala government has ordered chlorination of public water tanks, open wells, and bathing areas.

Health teams have intensified awareness drives across rural and urban areas, educating people about risks linked to bathing in untreated water.

District hospitals are being equipped with faster diagnostic facilities to detect PAM cases at an early stage.

A special medical panel has been tasked to monitor treatment protocols and guide hospitals handling suspected cases.

Health Minister Veena George has urged people not to panic but to strictly follow safety advisories, adding that “the scattered nature of infections calls for personal vigilance as much as public measures.”

Prevention Guidelines for the Public

Authorities have issued clear advisories to minimize risk:

Avoid swimming or bathing in warm, stagnant, or untreated freshwater bodies.

Do not allow water to enter the nose while bathing; using nose clips is recommended.

Ensure water used for nasal rinsing or religious practices (like neti pots or jal neti) is boiled and cooled or sterile.

Refrain from stirring up sediments in ponds and shallow lakes, where amoebas thrive.

Seek immediate medical care if experiencing sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, or confusion after recent freshwater exposure.

While the state has made strides in treatment success compared to global figures, doctors caution that prevention remains the only sure protection. With cases rising sharply, the government is walking a tightrope between containing the outbreak and keeping public confidence intact. As Kerala continues its battle, health experts emphasize one key message: stay alert, stay safe, and keep water sources clean.