Rising Alarm in Kerala: Cases of ‘Brain-Eating’ Amoeba on the Increase

The southern Indian state of Kerala is grappling with a concerning surge in infections caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly referred to as the “brain-eating” amoeba. As of now, health authorities have confirmed at least 19 fatalities and 72 infections linked to this rare but deadly organism in 2025 alone. This figure represents more than double the number of cases reported during the same period last year, raising significant alarm among health officials and the public alike.

Overview of the Situation

On Wednesday, Kerala’s health department disclosed that there have been 69 reported cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) since the beginning of 2025, with 19 resulting in death. Among the deceased is a heartbreaking case involving a three-month-old infant. Health Minister Veena George indicated that the current outbreak differs from previous years, as the cases are not clustered around a single water source, complicating epidemiological investigations. She noted, “Unlike last year, we are not seeing clusters linked to a single water source. These are single, isolated cases.”

The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is notorious for its ability to infect the brain and destroy brain tissue. Once the amoeba enters the brain, it can lead to severe infections that have a mortality rate exceeding 95%. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes symptoms of infection as beginning with headaches, fever, and vomiting, which can quickly escalate to seizures, altered mental states, hallucinations, and ultimately coma.

Health Response and Preventative Measures

In response to this alarming rise in cases, the Kerala government has instituted a health alert and is taking proactive measures to combat the spread of the amoeba. Authorities are conducting widespread testing across the state to identify and treat cases promptly. Furthermore, the government has initiated chlorination efforts in wells, water tanks, and public bathing areas, particularly in locations where people may come into contact with potentially contaminated water.

Dr. Altaf Ali, a member of the government task force aimed at preventing the spread of Naegleria fowleri, expressed concern over the emergence of new cases from various locations throughout the state. He stated, “It’s worrying that new cases this year have emerged from across the state, as opposed to specific pockets in the past.” This widespread occurrence poses a greater challenge for health officials as they work to trace the source of the infections.

Understanding Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba typically found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, leading to PAM. Importantly, this amoeba is not transmitted from person to person, which means that outbreaks are linked to environmental factors rather than human interaction.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections from Naegleria fowleri are exceedingly rare but are almost always fatal. Since 1962, nearly 500 cases have been documented globally, with the majority occurring in the United States, India, Pakistan, and Australia. In India, the first reported case of Naegleria fowleri infection was in 2016, and last year, Kerala reported nine deaths out of 36 cases.

Conclusion

As Kerala faces this troubling rise in amoeba-related infections, health officials are working diligently to implement preventative measures and raise public awareness about the risks associated with contaminated water. The state’s response reflects a commitment to safeguarding public health, yet the situation remains precarious as new cases emerge across various regions. Ongoing vigilance and proactive health measures will be crucial in managing and mitigating the impact of this dangerous organism.

Key Facts

– **Current Cases**: 69 reported cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala in 2025.
– **Fatalities**: 19 deaths attributed to Naegleria fowleri infections this year, including a three-month-old baby.
– **Previous Year Comparison**: Cases have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
– **Symptoms**: Initial symptoms include headache, fever, and vomiting, progressing to seizures and coma.
– **Preventive Actions**: Kerala government has initiated chlorination of water sources and widespread testing to identify and treat cases.
– **Global Context**: Since 1962, nearly 500 cases of Naegleria fowleri have been reported worldwide, with a high fatality rate.

Source: www.aljazeera.com