Keraly health authorities are in high readiness due to several cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), rare and often fatal brain infections caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeb, commonly known as “brain amoeba”.
Minister of Health Keral Veen George said on Wednesday that in 2025 69 cases and 19 deaths were associated with “amoeing brain meals”.
However, the minister mentioned that cases were not clusters, but the only cases.
What is the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
Pam comes when the naegleria fowleri, ie “brain consumption of amoeba” enters the body through the nose, usually when swimming or bathing in contaminated fresh water.
Symptoms usually occur after 1-12 days.
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Kerala registered several reports of death for primary amér’s meningoencephalitis (PAM) in districts in August and September 2025, according to official reports.
However, the infection does not spread from man to humans.
Which age group is affected?
Pam cases were reported in individuals from 3 months to 91 years. This year, 33 men and 19 women were influenced.
Kerala saw Pam cases earlier – in 2024, with infections reported in the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kannur in June and July, he informed.
“Given the past reports from the state and high mortality associated with disease, continuous alertness, increased supervision, environmental sampling and strict IEC measures are necessary. NCDC and state health departments carefully monitor the situation, with laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigation,” said official sources on Friday.
Kerala’s government asked people to seek immediate medical care if, after exposure to stagnant water, there are symptoms of a similar pama infection.
State Minister of Health also stated that the practitioners were asked to check the cause of this meningoencephalitis.
“If they find amoeba, they start treatment with amoebic meningoencephalitis that will save lives … early detection leads to saving lives …” said Veena George.
(With the entry from agencies)
(Tagstotranslate) brain eat amoeba kerala
