Kerala Sees Increase in Naegleria Fowleri Infections: What to Know

Authorities in Kerala, a southern state in India, have issued a health alert following an increase in infections and deaths caused by a rare water-borne amoeba known as “brain-eating” Naegleria fowleri. This year, 69 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported, including 19 deaths, a significant rise compared to the previous year, when there were nine deaths from 36 cases. Three of the recent fatalities were recorded in the last month, including that of a three-month-old infant.

The amoeba, which is not contagious between individuals, thrives in warm lakes and rivers and is contracted when the water enters the nose. Health Minister Veena George noted that, unlike last year, there are no clusters tied to a single water source, indicating isolated cases that complicate epidemiological investigations. In response, the Kerala government has begun chlorinating wells, water tanks, public bathing areas, and other locations where people might come into contact with the amoeba. Despite the low number of cases, a doctor involved in a government task force mentioned that new cases this year appear to be spread throughout the state rather than being confined to specific regions, which is concerning.

According to the CDC, infections are “very rare but nearly always fatal,” with a survival rate of less than 5%. Symptoms include headache, fever, and vomiting, which can rapidly progress to seizures, altered mental status, hallucinations, and coma. The first reported case in Kerala was in 2016, and since 1962, nearly 500 cases have been recorded globally, mostly in the United States, India, Pakistan, and Australia.

Source : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/18/alarm-in-indias-kerala-as-cases-of-brain-eating-amoeba-rise