Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Kerala Reports New 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Cases
A rare and dangerous brain infection called PAM, caused by a 'brain-eating amoeba' named Naegleria fowleri, has appeared in Kerala, India.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually while swimming in warm water.
It attacks the brain, causing serious illness.
Symptoms start with headache and fever and can lead to coma and death.
Doctors use various medicines to treat it, but finding effective cures is difficult.
People cannot get the infection from drinking contaminated water.
In Kerala, there have been more cases recently, but survival rates are higher than the global average.
Three new cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, have been reported in Kerala.
A nine-year-old child died, and a three-month-old baby was infected.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, travels to the brain, and destroys brain tissue.
Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and can progress to coma and death.
Treatment involves a combination of drugs, but effective treatments are still being researched.
- Who
- Individuals in Kerala, including a nine-year-old who died and a three-month-old baby who was infected.
- What
- Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, was detected in Kerala.
- When
- Recent cases were reported.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- Why
- The amoeba infects people when it enters the body through the nose, travels to the brain, and destroys brain tissue.
- Disease
- Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
- Causative Agent
- Naegleria fowleri (brain-eating amoeba)
- Location
- Kerala, India
- Entry Point
- Nose
- Symptoms
- Headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, coma
- Fatality Rate (Kerala)
- 25%
Sources
Amoeba Found in Well Water at Kerala Home of Girl Who Died of Encephalitis
Beware, Kerala: Brain-eating single-celled organism found in freshwater well, possible reason behind 9-year-old's death
'Brain-eating amoeba' detected in treated drinking water in Australian towns. Officials say, do not let...