Kerala is witnessing a worrying rise in fatal cases of the ‘brain-eating’ amoeba, posing a serious public health challenge.Since the beginning of 2025, the state has reported around 69 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), including 19 deaths, caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating” amoeba, said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor to the National Communicable Disease Control Programme.
Acclaimed epidemiologist Dr. Purohit explained that while amoebic meningoencephalitis is extremely rare, affecting roughly one in 10,000 people, its consequences are devastating.
“The threat may be microscopic, but the impact is monumental. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can protect our communities from this invisible killer,” he said.
The infection occurs when the amoeba, which thrives in stagnant warm water, enters the brain through the nasal passages. “It is not transmitted from person to person, and drinking contaminated water is generally safe, as stomach acids destroy the amoebae. “The real danger is when water is inhaled forcefully through the nose,” Dr Purohit added.
Experts have pointed out that rising temperatures and poor water sanitation are aggravating the problem. Many of Kerala’s wells, ponds, and other water sources have high levels of coliform bacteria from sewage and waste, providing a rich environment for the amoebae to flourish. While the global death rate from PAM hovers around 97 per cent, Kerala has so far managed a comparatively lower rate of 24 per cent.
People infected with PAM typically experience headache, fever, vomiting, stiff neck, and seizures, with symptoms appearing within one to nine days. The disease progresses rapidly, often resulting in severe brain damage once the amoeba reaches the central nervous system.
Dr. Purohit urged the public to exercise caution while swimming or bathing in untreated freshwater bodies, including ponds, lakes, and poorly maintained pools, and to prevent water from entering the nose.
Maintaining proper chlorination of wells, tanks, and swimming pools, boiling water used for nasal rinsing or rituals, and using sterile solutions for eye care are essential preventive measures. He also stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if fever, headache, or confusion occurs after exposure to water.“By taking these precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of this deadly infection and safeguard our communities,” Dr. Purohit emphasised.(UNI)
