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Key Points

Health authorities in Kerala are on high alert following 52 cases of brain-eating amoeba infection this year. The National Centre for Disease Control and state health department are implementing enhanced surveillance and environmental measures. Cases have affected individuals from 3 months to 91 years old across multiple districts. Public health guidelines include water chlorination and avoiding freshwater exposure to prevent further infections.

Key Points: NCDC Kerala Monitor Brain-Eating Amoeba Outbreak 52 Cases

  • Kerala reports 52 PAM cases this year with multiple fatalities
  • Age range spans from 3 months to 91 years old
  • Infection caused by Naegleria fowleri amoeba in fresh water
  • Health authorities conducting fever surveys and environmental sampling
  • Public advised to use nose clips when exposed to fresh water
  • NCDC issued technical guidelines for prevention and treatment
  • Cases reported across multiple districts including Kozhikode and Malappuram
  • Disease has high fatality rate and is not person-to-person transmissible
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NCDC, Kerala Health Department monitoring brain-eating amoeba situation closely: Official sources

Kerala reports 52 brain-eating amoeba cases with multiple deaths. NCDC and state health department issue alerts and prevention guidelines for Naegleria fowleri infection.

"Given past reports from the state and high fatality associated with the disease, continuous vigilance, enhanced surveillance, environmental sampling, and strict IEC measures are essential. - Official Sources"

By Shalini Bhardwj, Thiruvananthapuram, September 12

Kerala's health authorities are on high alert due to multiple cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba."

Official sources confirmed that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Kerala Health Department are closely tracking the situation after the state reported 52 cases this year, affecting individuals aged 3 months to 91 years, with 33 males and 19 females diagnosed.

Kerala has reported multiple deaths and a cluster of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases across districts in August and September 2025, according to official sources.

Sources told ANI that the age range of confirmed PAM cases is between 3 months and 91 years, including 33 males and 19 females.

"Given past reports from the state and high fatality associated with the disease, continuous vigilance, enhanced surveillance, environmental sampling, and strict IEC measures are essential. NCDC and the State Health Department are monitoring the situation closely, with laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigations underway," official sources said.

The age Range of PAM cases is 3 months to 91 years, and cases reported this year are 33 Males and 19 Females.

Kerala has previously reported cases of PAM. In 2024, cases were reported from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur districts during June-July.

"A central team investigated, following which technical guidelines and a CD Alert were issued by NCDC, which the State Government adopted to issue guidelines in July 2024 for prevention and treatment of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, PAM," said official sources to ANI

As Public Health Response, "Testing of febrile and symptomatic individuals across affected districts. Alert issued to Kozhikode Medical College and district hospitals."

"Awareness campaigns in communities regarding risks of fresh water exposure. Environmental measures: Instructions issued for cleaning and chlorination of wells and public water sources."

Sources said further, "Fever survey is ongoing in affected localities. Sample collection from CSF, nasal swabs, and water sources is being tested. The preventive measures (Advised to Public) are to avoid swimming/bathing in ponds, rivers, or stagnant water. Ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools and water parks. Use nose clips or cover the nose when exposed to fresh water. Clean and chlorinate household wells regularly. Seek immediate medical care for any neurological or meningeal symptoms following water exposure."

PAM is not transmissible from person to person.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Kerala, I appreciate the government's quick response. We've been chlorinating our well regularly since last year's cases. Stay safe everyone, especially during monsoon season when water contamination risks are higher.
M
Michael C
The age range from 3 months to 91 years is concerning. This affects everyone regardless of age. Good that they're testing water sources and raising awareness. Public health measures like these save lives.
A
Ananya R
While the response seems adequate, I hope the government is also ensuring that rural areas get the same level of awareness and testing facilities. Sometimes villages get neglected in such health emergencies.
V
Vikram M
The fact that cases are being reported across multiple districts shows this isn't isolated. NCDC and state health department coordination is crucial. Hope they contain this quickly before it spreads further.
S
Sarah B
Important to note that it's not person-to-person transmissible. This should prevent unnecessary panic and stigma. Focus should be on water safety measures and immediate medical attention for symptoms.

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