Amoeba disease, which is eating brain in Kerala, is already died of 19: Check the symptoms, check the treatment and how to remain safe

Kerala faces a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the “brain -eating amoeba ğı and a public health crisis with the rise of primary amoeba menoencephalitis (PAM). Naegleria Fowleri. The state reported 69 cases in 2025 and with 19 deaths – in most of the last few months. Pam, once seen in isolated clusters in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur, now appears occasionally in the regions and wants health authorities to pass a high alarm.

What is Pam?

PAM is a serious infection of the central nervous system, which is typically swimming, bath or diving when the contaminine enters fresh water. Amoeba passes through the nasal passages into the brain, causing fast tissue destruction, brain swelling, and death in most cases. Drinking contaminated water does not cause infection.
Globally, less than 500 cases have been reported, but Kerala has only seen more than 120 years in the last two years – an unusual number for a region.

Who’s at risk?

Infection affects healthy children, young people and young adults in warmer months. This year, patients vary from a three -month -old baby to an elderly. Stagnant or poorly protected fresh water resources are primary risk zones, whereas good chlorine swimming pools are considered safe.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Early symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and hard neck. As the disease progresses, patients may experience confusion, seizures and coma. The disease moves rapidly and usually leads to death within one to two weeks. Since symptoms resemble bacterial meningitis, the diagnosis often is delayed and reduces the chance of survival.

Treatment and survival

There is no single treatment for pam and survival rates are extremely low. Treatment typically includes an aggressive combination of antifungal and antimicrobial drugs such as amphotericin B, miltephocin and rifampicin, along with treatments to control brain swelling. Kerala’s hospitals are now using multi -disciplined teams to address approved cases. Health Minister Veena George stressed that every meningoencephalitis case is tested for amoeba, so that the treatment is confirmed.

Why Kerala is vulnerable

Kerala’s warm climate, monsoon -associated water and relying on untreated water resources make it a hot dot for this parasite. Experts, increased water temperatures due to climate change can increase further, he said.

How to stay safe

The authorities call on the people to avoid swimming or dive in stagnant freshwater, to use noses in unprocessed water, and to prevent the water from entering the nose while taking a shower or playing. Pools, wells and tanks should be appropriately chlorinated and boiled or filtered water should be used for nasal rinse. Rowing pools should be cleaned daily and the hot springs and theme parks should maintain hygiene standards.

Although PAM remained rare worldwide, the unusual fluctuation of Kerala turned it into an important public health difficulty. Experts agree that prevention, awareness and early detection is the only way to fight this “brain -eating amoeba”.