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.

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