Kerala is witnessing a deadly outbreak of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by a rare parasite called Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating amoeba. The state has reported 69 cases so far in 2025, with 19 confirmed deaths.
What Is This Brain Infection?
PAM is a serious and often fatal brain infection. It happens when contaminated freshwater enters the nose and allows the amoeba to travel to the brain, causing rapid swelling and tissue destruction. Drinking the water does not spread the infection.
How Does It Spread?
The amoeba lives in warm, untreated freshwater. Infection occurs during activities like swimming, bathing, or diving when water enters the nose. It does not spread from person to person, and not through drinking.
Who Is at Risk?
PAM mainly affects healthy children and young adults during warmer months. In 2025, the youngest patient was just 3 months old, and the oldest was 91. Stagnant ponds, unclean tanks, and untreated water are high-risk sources.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
The disease starts with severe headache, high fever, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness. It can worsen quickly into confusion, seizures, coma, and often death within one to two weeks if untreated.
Why Kerala Is a Hotspot
Kerala's warm climate, monsoon waterlogging, and use of untreated freshwater sources make it a high-risk region. Climate change and rising water temperatures are likely contributing to the recent surge in cases.
Treatment & Challenges
There is no guaranteed cure for PAM. Survival rates are extremely low. Doctors use a mix of antifungal and antimicrobial drugs like amphotericin B and miltefosine to control the infection and brain swelling.
Government Response
Health Minister Veena George stated that all suspected meningoencephalitis cases are now being tested for amoeba so that treatment can start immediately. Special teams in hospitals are handling each case with urgent care.
How to Stay Safe
Avoid swimming or diving in stagnant or untreated freshwater. Use nose clips if exposure is unavoidable. For nasal rinsing, always use boiled or filtered water. Public awareness is key to preventing more deaths.