Kerala has reported its sixth death in a month due to the rare and often fatal infection caused by the brain eating amoeba, raising concerns over water safety and public health in the state.
Health officials confirmed that a 47-year-old man from Malappuram district, who was undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, succumbed to the disease late Tuesday night. His death adds to a growing list of fatalities linked to Naegleria fowleri, the microscopic organism responsible for amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Rising Toll in 2025
According to the Kerala Health Department, more than 40 cases of brain eating amoeba infection have been identified in the state this year, with a majority reported since July. Six patients, including three children, have died within weeks of diagnosis.
Officials described the situation as “serious but under control,” stressing that surveillance, testing, and public advisories are being stepped up.
“This infection remains extremely rare, but its fatality rate is very high. Our focus is on prevention and early detection,” a senior health officer told The Hindu.
How the Infection Spreads
The brain eating amoeba, formally known as Naegleria fowleri, is a free-living organism commonly found in warm freshwater sources such as ponds, rivers, and poorly treated wells.
It infects humans when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once inside, it travels to the brain and causes severe inflammation, known medically as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Health experts note that the infection does not spread from person to person, nor through drinking water, but only when contaminated water enters the nasal passage.
Symptoms and Fatality
Doctors warn that the early stages of the disease mimic ordinary viral illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Disorientation and seizures
Most patients deteriorate rapidly, and survival rates worldwide remain extremely low. Only a handful of people globally have recovered from the infection after aggressive treatment.
Kerala Government’s Response
Following the spate of deaths, the Kerala government has issued strict public health guidelines. Authorities have directed local bodies to chlorinate wells and clean stagnant water sources.
Residents have been advised to:
Avoid swimming in untreated ponds or rivers.
Use boiled or filtered water for drinking and nasal cleaning.
Seek immediate medical help if flu-like symptoms appear after exposure to natural water bodies.
The Health Department has also circulated treatment protocols to hospitals across the state, ensuring that drugs like Miltefosine, known for limited effectiveness against the amoeba, are available at referral centers.
Why Kerala is Seeing More Cases
Experts believe a combination of factors is contributing to the rise in cases this year. Warmer weather, unclean water bodies, and increased awareness leading to more diagnoses are being considered.
“Climate change and higher temperatures may be creating conditions where the amoeba thrives,” said a microbiologist at Kozhikode Medical College. “At the same time, better diagnostic tools mean cases are being identified more frequently than before.”
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National and Global Context
Although Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, they have been reported in several countries, including the United States, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In India, Kerala has emerged as one of the few states consistently reporting cases in recent years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the infection as a rare but high-risk waterborne disease, urging countries to improve monitoring and public awareness.
Public Concern and Viral Attention
The news of repeated deaths has sparked concern on social media, where the term “brain eating amoeba” has trended in viral news discussions. Many users have shared safety queries, particularly about whether it is safe to swim or use local water sources.
Doctors emphasize that while the infection is frightening, it remains extremely rare compared to other waterborne illnesses. Still, they insist that prevention measures must be followed strictly.
Common Questions on Brain Eating Amoeba
What are the early symptoms?
Fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck are common initial signs. Symptoms progress quickly to seizures and coma.
Can it be cured?
Survival is rare. A few patients globally have survived with early and aggressive treatment, but the fatality rate remains very high.
Is it safe to swim now?
Experts advise against swimming in untreated or stagnant water. Chlorinated pools are considered safer.
Does drinking water spread the amoeba?
No. Infection occurs only when contaminated water enters through the nose.
Why is Kerala reporting more cases?
A mix of warm weather, untreated water bodies, and better medical detection has led to more confirmed cases in 2025.
Awareness Drive Launched Across Kerala
With six deaths already recorded in 2025, the Kerala government has intensified its health surveillance and awareness campaigns. Officials urge residents to remain cautious, maintain safe water practices, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear.
While the brain eating amoeba remains rare, its deadly nature ensures it will continue to command attention in both Kerala news and national health updates in the coming weeks.
