At least 17 deaths linked to a rare but often fatal brain infection caused by the “brain-eating amoeba” have been reported in Kerala over the past four months, prompting heightened health surveillance and public advisories across the state.

The infection, known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes and rivers. According to available data, Kerala recorded 96 confirmed cases between January and April 2026. The infection affects the central nervous system, leading to rapid brain swelling and, in most cases, death.

Health data from the previous year highlights the seriousness of the disease. In 2025, Kerala reported 201 confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis and 557 deaths. However, medical experts indicate that improved diagnostic protocols are helping detect infections earlier, which may be contributing to better outcomes in 2026.

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Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the IMA Research Cell in Kerala, said revised testing guidelines have significantly changed how suspected cases are handled. Earlier, patients were tested for amoebic infection only after other causes were ruled out. Now, testing for PAM is conducted alongside initial investigations when brain infections are suspected, allowing for quicker diagnosis and timely intervention.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has urged the public to exercise caution, particularly during the summer months when the risk of exposure increases. Authorities have intensified surveillance and directed healthcare providers to test encephalitis patients for amoebic infections. The organism typically enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain; in individuals with weakened immunity, it may also spread through open wounds and affect the nervous system.

Globally, infections caused by Naegleria fowleri carry a mortality rate of around 99 per cent, while related amoebic infections such as those caused by Acanthamoeba have fatality rates ranging between 70 and 90 per cent. Kerala officials say targeted interventions and early detection efforts have reduced the state’s mortality rate to approximately 24 per cent, though the infection remains a significant public health concern requiring continued vigilance.

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