Health authorities in Kerala, India, have issued a high alert following a surge in infections caused by the deadly “brain-eating” amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The infection, known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), attacks the brain and has an extremely high fatality rate.
So far this year, 69 people in Kerala have been infected, and at least 19 have died — most of the deaths occurring in the past few weeks. Victims range in age from a three-month-old infant to a 91-year-old man.
Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George has identified this as a serious public health threat. Once limited to a few districts such as Kozhikode and Malappuram, the infection has now spread to various parts of the state.
According to government health records, PAM affects the central nervous system by destroying brain tissue, causing severe swelling, and leading to death in most cases. The amoeba thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater and typically enters the body through the nose while swimming, diving, or bathing.
Experts warn that climate change has raised water temperatures, making it easier for the amoeba to multiply. More people are also turning to freshwater sources to cool off in the hot weather, increasing the risk of infection. However, the disease does not spread from person to person.
Symptoms resemble bacterial meningitis, including severe headache, fever, vomiting, and stiff neck. Once symptoms appear, the disease rapidly spreads in the brain and usually causes death within 5–7 days. Survival is possible only if the infection is detected and treated at a very early stage. Treatment involves a combination of anti-amoebic drugs, but even then, success rates are low.
The Kerala government has issued public safety guidelines to prevent further infections:
- Avoid swimming or bathing in stagnant or unclean freshwater.
- Use nose clips when entering freshwater sources.
- Regularly clean and chlorinate wells and water tanks.
- Seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear after exposure to freshwater.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging the public to remain vigilant and follow safety measures to reduce the spread of this deadly infection.
