Kerala has recently been in the spotlight for a worrying rise in cases of brain eating amoeba infection, scientifically called Naegleria fowleri. This rare yet extremely dangerous organism causes Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressing infection that targets the brain.
As of mid-September 2025, the state confirmed 67 cases and 18 deaths linked to the brain eating amoeba (India Today). While these numbers may seem small compared to other outbreaks, the high fatality rate of this infection makes the situation alarming. Kerala’s health department has stepped up awareness campaigns, testing of water bodies, and preventive measures, but the unusual rise has sparked public concern across the state.
This blog explains what the brain eating amoeba is, why Kerala is reporting more cases, its symptoms, treatment challenges, and most importantly, how it can be prevented. The aim is to provide a clear, fact-based understanding backed by reliable sources.
Contents
What is the Brain Eating Amoeba?
The brain eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) is a microscopic, single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers, hot springs, and inadequately treated swimming pools (PMC).
It does not grow in salt water (Building Safety Journal)
Naegleria fowleri life cycle has three phases: 1) the amoeba phase called a trophozoite, 2) a flagellated phase and 3) an environmentally resistant cyst phase. The only phase that causes infection is the amoeba phase.
During swimming the amoeba enters the nose and migrates along the olfactory nerve to the brain. Once in the brain the amoeba multiplies and causes PAM (Building Safety Journal),(CDC).
It was first discovered as a human pathogen in 1965 in Australia by Fowler and Carter (Purdue University).
Unlike bacteria or viruses, Naegleria fowleri is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. Drinking water contaminated with the amoeba also does not cause infection. The only way infection occurs is when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, typically during swimming, diving, or bathing.
Kerala’s Brain Eating Amoeba Cases: What’s Happening?
Kerala has historically reported sporadic cases of this rare infection, but the sharp increase in 2025 is cause for concern.
In the last few weeks, Kerala reported multiple fatalities in districts including Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Malappuram. Victims ranged from a three-month-old infant to adults in their 50s (NDTV).
One high-profile case involved a 17-year-old student from Thiruvananthapuram who contracted the infection after swimming in a tourist pool. Authorities immediately shut down the facility and began water testing.
Health officials observed that unlike previous years, cases are not clustered around one water source. Infections have been reported from people who bathed in rivers, used swimming pools, and even those who only used household water (New Indian Express).
Kerala’s current mortality rate is about 24%, which is significantly lower than the global rate of more than 95%. This improvement is largely attributed to earlier diagnosis and quicker medical response, proving that awareness and vigilance can save lives.
Symptoms of Brain Eating Amoeba Infection
The symptoms of brain eating amoeba infection usually appear between 1 and 12 days after exposure. Unfortunately, the disease progresses very quickly, often leading to death within 1–2 weeks if untreated (CDC).
Early symptoms include:
Severe headache
High fever
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of smell or taste
Later, symptoms escalate to:
Stiff neck and sensitivity to light
Confusion, seizures, and hallucinations
Loss of balance and lack of coordination
Coma and eventual death
The challenge lies in the fact that these symptoms mimic common illnesses like viral meningitis or flu. As a result, diagnosis is often delayed until it is too late.
Treatment Challenges
- The brain eating amoeba is notoriously difficult to treat (PMC).
Proper medical treatment can sometimes improve chances of survival, but only if administered extremely early.
Many cases go undetected until the disease is in an advanced stage, by which time medical interventions may no longer be effective.
Quick medical response and better awareness campaigns can help improve survival outcomes.
Why is Kerala Seeing More Cases?
Experts believe a combination of environmental, infrastructural, and behavioral factors are contributing to the recent surge in brain eating amoeba cases in Kerala:
Climate change & rising temperatures: Warmer weather and heavy rains create favorable conditions for Naegleria fowleri to thrive in freshwater sources (NDTV).
Untreated/poorly treated water bodies: Ponds, wells, and other freshwater bodies contaminated with sewage or organic matter, and standing water promote amoeba growth (NDTV).
Urban water stagnation: Improper drainage, water storage, and stagnant water in households and pipes increase exposure risk (Punjab Kesari).
Cultural & domestic practices: Activities like bathing, nasal cleansing using non-sterile or untreated water can allow water to enter the nasal passages, raising infection risk (NDTV).
Better detection and awareness: Increased testing, surveillance, public health alerts and awareness among community and health professionals are leading to more cases being identified (Times of India).
Prevention of Brain Eating Amoeba Infection
To prevent infection from the brain eating amoeba, experts recommend the following:
- Avoid swimming or diving in warm, untreated freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, hot springs) especially during hot weather. (CDC)
- Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when water might force entry into the nasal passages. (CDC)
- Ensure swimming pools, water storage, and recreational water sources are properly chlorinated or treated. (NSW Health)
- Use boiled, distilled, or sterile water (not untreated tap water) for any nasal rinsing or ablution that may allow water into the nose. (CDC)
- Maintain clean water supply, avoid stagnant water accumulation in household tanks, containers. Public awareness of risk and early recognition are also essential. (PMC)
Role of Chlorine in Prevention of Brain Eating Amoeba Infection
As per the Building Safety Journal, ”The amoeba of Naegleria fowleri is sensitive to chlorine. One ppm of free chlorine will kill 99.9% (a 3-log kill) of the amoeba in 9 minutes (CT=9). This low CT value verifies that the infective amoeba of this organism will not survive in a properly chlorinated swimming pool or spa’.‘.
As per Care Hospitals, Maintaining proper chlorine levels between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm) and pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8, as chlorine effectively kills the amoeba. Regular testing of chlorine and pH levels occurs multiple times daily, especially during peak usage periods.
Summing Up
The rise of brain eating amoeba cases in Kerala is an urgent reminder of the link between environmental health and public safety. While the disease is extremely rare, its fatality rate makes it a significant concern.
The good news is that Kerala has managed to keep its mortality rate far below the global average through faster diagnosis, proper medical treatment, and increased awareness. With continued education and preventive measures, the risks can be reduced further.
Takeaway for readers: Protect yourself by practicing safe water habits, keeping water sources clean, and consulting doctors at the first sign of unusual symptoms. Prevention, awareness, and early action are the strongest weapons against this silent killer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Brain eating amoeba infections are extremely rare, and only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose or treat medical conditions. Readers are strongly advised to consult a licensed doctor immediately if they experience any concerning symptoms.
ADDITIONAL READS:
Small Morning Habits That Uplift Our Mood