Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Kerala Reports Rise in Fatal Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases
Kerala is dealing with an increase in cases of a dangerous brain infection caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri.
The infection, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is often fatal.
People catch it from swimming in warm, freshwater like lakes and rivers, with the amoeba entering through the nose.
Health officials are investigating and urging caution, including avoiding swimming in freshwater bodies without nose plugs and using distilled or sterilized water for nasal cleaning.
The MP Shashi Tharoor is endorsing to avoid freshwater until a safer solution is found.
Kerala has reported 80 cases of PAM and 21 deaths.
PAM is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose from warm freshwater sources.
Swimming in freshwater is a primary risk factor.
Officials are investigating the cause and advising precautions.
- Who
- Kerala Health Minister, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, general public
- What
- Outbreak of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
- When
- Ongoing, recent reports
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Due to Naegleria fowleri in warm freshwater
Public Health Officials
General Public
Safety Measures
Public Health Officials
Advising preventive measures and safe water practices.
General Public
Potential concern and caution about water exposure and recreational activities.
- Cases Reported
- 80
- Deaths
- 21
- Amoeba Name
- Naegleria fowleri
- How it Enters
- Nasal passages
- Source of Infection
- Warm freshwater
Sources
Clean overhead tanks to prevent any brain health scare cases: KMC
Kerala reports 80 amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, 21 deaths due to
Brain-Eating Amoeba: Kerala Reports 70+ Cases and 20 Deaths — What It Is and How It Spreads
