Kerala brain eating amoeba: The disease which killed about 488 people in the whole world in the last 60 years, the same rare infection is now spreading rapidly in India. In the first 9 months of 2025, the cases from Kerala and Karnataka have increased the concern. So far, 19 people have died in India, including a three -month -old baby and a 52 -year -old woman. This disease is Neegleria Fowleri, which is called ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in common language. Let us tell you about this outcry disease in Kerala.

What is Neglaria Foulri?

It is a rare amoeba that thrives in fresh water lake, pond, swimming pool and water tanks. It enters the human body through the nose through the nose and spreads infection directly to the brain. This infection is called Primary Amibic meningleitis (PAM), whose mortality is more than 95 percent.

Data around the world

The CDC report of the US states that from 1962 to 2024, 167 cases were reported in the US, out of which only 4 people survived. That is, 163 deaths were recorded only in America. Research available globally shows that in the last 60 years, about 380 to 488 cases have been reported, and almost all of them died of death. It suggests that this disease is very rare, but once it is, it proves to be almost fatal.

Sudden danger increased in India

In 2025, the outbreak of this disease in India was shocking. According to reports, 69 cases have been registered in Kerala so far, out of which 19 have died. The deaths also include an infant and an elderly woman. Cases are coming out from different districts, such as kozhikode, malappuram, wayanad, kolm and thiruvananthapuram, that is, no cluster (large-scale spread from the same source) has been found yet.

Government preparation

In view of increasing cases, the Kerala government has started a special campaign called Water is Life. Under this, chlorination of wells, public bath sites and water tanks is being done. The Health Department has ordered that chlorine levels in swimming pools and water tanks should be at least 0.5 mg per liter. The aim of this campaign is to prevent this fatal infection spread through water.

Symptoms and precautions

Neglaria is the early symptoms of infection, high headaches, fever, vomiting, neck in a state of confusion. This disease increases so fast that the patient can die within 5 to 7 days.

It is necessary for rescue:

• Avoid swimming in pond, lake or no chlorine water.
• Prevent water from going to the nose in the sports related sports.
• Keep the domestic tank and swimming pool regularly clean.

Neglaria Foulri is one of the most rare but most dangerous diseases in the world. In the last 60 years, only 488 deaths were recorded worldwide, but in India, 19 lives have gone in the nine months of 2025. This shows the fact that the changing climate and the challenges of hygiene are giving India a message to be more vigilant about this disease.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on the opinion of research studies and experts. Do not consider it an alternative to medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, consult your doctor or concerned specialist.

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The deaths due to brain eating amoeba in Kerala have stirred up. In 2025, 42 cases have been reported so far and recently 5 people have died. Most of the cases have been found in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala. In such a situation, the question arises that how dangerous is brain eating amoeba and what are the ways to avoid it? Everyone knows about this from the doctor.

What is brain eating amoeba?

According to Neurologist Dr. Ravi Shankar at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, this amoeba reaches the mind through the nose and dies in 95% of cases. However, it can be prevented carefully. It is more active in the hot water ponds and rivers of Kerala. This is called Naegleria Fowalei in scientific language. According to Dr. Shankar, Amiba himself does not attack humans, but when a person takes water from the nose during diving, swimming, then the amoeba reaches the mind by breaking the nose tissue. There it produces inflammation like meningitis, which eats the brain.

How dangerous this disease?

According to Dr. Shankar, it is one of the most deadly infections in the world. Symptoms begin to appear in 1 to 9 days of infection. The beginning shows signs of common flu like headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, but soon the neck swings. After this, confusion starts, there is a tour and the person becomes unconscious. If there is no treatment on time, then death occurs in 5 days. In such cases the mortality rate is up to 97 %. This means that most people do not escape.

Why deaths increased in Kerala?

According to the Health Department of Kerala, 36 cases were found in 2024 and 9 deaths. At the same time, the cases have doubled in 2025. The reason for this is the lack of cleanliness in heat, pollution and water sources. Actually, the water of ponds in Kozhikode and Malappuram is dirty, where people take bath or play. According to Dr. Shankar, 15 patients came to our hospital this year, out of which 5 died. However, the lives of two patients have been saved, as their problem was caught early. Now the state government has started investigating the ponds and has increased chlorination.

Defense possible if you recognize symptoms

If you have a headache after swimming or playing in water, you have a fever or neck pain, then see a doctor immediately. According to Dr. Shankar, neurological problems appear quickly in such cases apart from normal meningitis. This can be confirmed by CSF test, but rescue is the best way. To avoid this, first avoid swimming in hot fresh water. If you have to go, apply nose clip, so that the water does not go into the nose. Hold the nose while diving. If you use Netty pot to clean the nose, always take sterile or boiled water.

What to do if you have infection?

If you have an infection, get treatment immediately. IV medicines, steroids and supportive care are given in hospitals, but doctors believe that it has no vaccine. However, awareness campaigns are now being run in Kerala schools and communities. A study showed that there have been less than 500 cases in India, but a cluster has been formed in Kerala.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on the opinion of research studies and experts. Do not consider it an alternative to medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, consult your doctor or concerned specialist.

Check out Below Health Tools-
Calculate your body mass index (BMI)

Calculate the age through age calculator