Kerala Sees Surge In Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases

Kerala has reported a significant increase in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, widely known as the brain-eating amoeba infection, the Union Government informed Parliament on Friday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav confirmed that the state has recorded 170 cases and 42 deaths in 2025 alone.

With this, Kerala’s total number of cases since 2023 stands at 211, alongside 53 deaths. The data reflects a troubling upward trend over the past three years.

The state recorded just two cases and two deaths in 2023, followed by a sharp rise to 39 cases and nine deaths in 2024. The escalation continued dramatically in 2025 as the number of cases soared, claiming 42 lives.

The Minister noted that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Kozhikode conducted an investigation into the rising incidence in July 2024.

Following the findings, the Secretary of the Department of Health Research and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) convened a high-level meeting, bringing together national and state experts to review the surge in infections.

As part of the response, National Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) surveillance was reinforced through 18 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs).

The strengthened surveillance focused on cross-validating diagnostic tests, improving environmental monitoring, and providing evidence-based treatment guidance to healthcare professionals.

Jadhav further explained that the government continues to support Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities in collaboration with the Kerala government, emphasising the importance of public awareness in managing the spread of the disease.

Additional epidemiological assessments carried out by NCDC helped reinforce surveillance systems and enhance IEC activities across the state.

In October 2024, NCDC issued a revised Communicable Disease alert addressing Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, outlining updated management, prevention, and control measures to guide healthcare authorities.

What Is Amoebic Encephalitis?

Amoebic encephalitis is an acute and rapidly fatal disease of the central nervous system caused primarily by Naegleria fowleri.

The infection typically occurs when individuals swim or bathe in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, or streams, where the organism is often present.

Once contaminated water enters the nasal passages, the amoeba can travel to the brain, leading to severe inflammation and, in most cases, death.

The alarming rise in cases in Kerala has prompted urgent attention from both state and national health authorities, who continue to strengthen disease surveillance, research efforts, and community awareness to prevent further infections.

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