‘Brain-eating amoeba’ scare in Kerala: 19 deaths in 9 months

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Republic Hindustan, Health News : The dreaded microbe known as ‘brain-eating amoeba’ has so far claimed 61 to 69 lives in Kerala this year (2025), including 19 deaths. The disease is called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), and is caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba destroys brain tissue and causes severe brain swelling, resulting in death in most cases. The disease mainly affects healthy children, teenagers and young women, but this year people of all ages, from a 3-month-old baby to a 91-year-old man, have been affected.

History and current situation of the disease
The first PAM case in Kerala was reported in 2016.  While there were only 8 cases till 2023, there were suddenly 36 cases and 9 deaths in 2023. This year, 61-69 cases have been reported so far, including 19 deaths. Although there were initial hotspots, especially in areas like Kozhikode and Malappuram, it has now spread across the state. For example, cases like Lathakumari, a 52-year-old woman in Thiruvananthapuram, and a 3-month-old baby in Kozhikode have been reported recently. The spread of this disease in Kerala, which has less than 500 cases worldwide, is a cause for concern.

The situation has led to a political controversy in the state assembly. The Congress-led UDF opposition has strongly criticized the LDF government. It has been accused of collapsing the public health system and neglecting local awareness programs. Opposition leader VD Satheesan has criticized that other diseases like dengue, leptospirosis and typhoid have also increased. In response, Health Minister Veena George has defended the government’s actions.
They said that they have taken steps to reduce the infant mortality rate, provide free liver transplants, and develop district hospitals. They also said that the Nipah virus mortality rate has been reduced.

How does the disease spread?

This amoeba lives in warm, quiet fresh water sources (ponds, pots, wells). When water enters through the nose, the amoeba reaches the brain. The disease does not spread from person to person even if it is ingested orally. It occurs more often during summers, during activities such as swimming and bathing. Experts say that climate change and increase in water temperature are the reasons for this spread.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms are similar to those of bacterial meningitis: headache, fever, vomiting, nausea. They appear in 1 to 9 days, and worsen within 24-48 hours. Then confusion, delirium, and seizures occur. Diagnosis is difficult, because it is confused with simple meningitis. Early detection is key.

Treatment and Prevention
Treatment involves an antimicrobial cocktail with imported drugs such as miltefosine. The drugs must cross the blood-brain barrier. Only a few people have survived worldwide, even when detected early. Prevention: Avoid bathing or swimming in still water bodies. Use nose clips if necessary. Clean and chlorinate wells and tanks.

The government is chlorinating wells, swimming pools and tanks through a programme called ‘Jalamanu Jeevan’. Water samples are being collected in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control. The health department advises seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

There is a need to be vigilant about this disease, especially due to the possibility of more cases in the future due to climate change.