Brain Eating Amoeba alert in Kerala: reported 72 cases and 19 dead

Brain Eating Amoeba: A rare and almost always fatal brain infection caused by a microscopic organism called the “brain-eating amoeba” has led to a major health alert in Kerala. Brain Eating Amoeba alert in Kerala: reported 72 cases and 19 dead.

The Outbreak is Unprecedented in Scale As of September 2025, Kerala has reported between 69 and 72 confirmed cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), the disease caused by the amoeba. Out of these, 19 have been fatal. This is an alarming increase compared to previous years, where the state typically saw only a handful of isolated cases annually.

The Amoeba is Naegleria fowleri The “brain-eating amoeba” is a single-celled organism called Naegleria fowleri. It is naturally found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. It does not survive in saltwater. The amoeba thrives in temperatures up to 45°C, making warm, stagnant water its ideal habitat.

Infection Occurs Through the Nose The infection is not contracted by drinking contaminated water or by person-to-person contact. It occurs only when water containing the amoeba is forced up a person’s nose, such as during swimming, diving, or even from using unsterilized water for nasal rinses. Once in the nasal passages, the amoeba travels up the olfactory nerve to the brain, where it causes the fatal infection.

Symptoms Mimic Common Infections, Making Diagnosis Difficult The early symptoms of PAM are often similar to those of bacterial meningitis, including severe headache, fever, nausea, and a stiff neck. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis, as doctors may initially treat the patient for more common conditions.

As the infection progresses, symptoms worsen rapidly to include confusion, seizures, and a coma. The disease has a fatality rate of over 97%, with death typically occurring within days of symptom onset.

Kerala’s Response Focuses on Prevention Since there is no proven cure for PAM, the Kerala health department has prioritized preventive measures. Authorities have launched a statewide water chlorination drive for wells and community water sources.

Public advisories have been issued urging people to avoid swimming or bathing in untreated freshwater ponds, lakes, and other stagnant water bodies. Hospitals have been put on high alert to immediately test any patient with meningitis-like symptoms and a history of water exposure for the amoeba.

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