Kerala has been in the news recently for an alarming reason—an unusual spike in cases of a rare brain infection caused by what’s being called the “brain-eating amoeba.” The name alone sounds terrifying, but neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar has broken it down in simple terms, explaining what this infection is, how it spreads, and most importantly, how people can protect themselves from it.
Primary Amoebic Meningo-encephalitis (PAM) isn’t new. According to Dr Kumar, cases have been reported in India and other parts of the world for decades. The two organisms responsible are Naegleria and Acanthamoeba. While the infection was always rare, Kerala has recently seen more cases, partly because of better awareness and improved diagnostic facilities, according to the CMC Vellore-trained doctor.
The doctor further shared that the symptoms in the early stage mimic regular brain fever—fever, headache, and vomiting. But things get serious as the infection advances, leading to disorientation, seizures, confusion, limb weakness, and even coma. Kerala’s recent cases showed a much lower fatality rate of 20–30 per cent, suggesting that early detection and advanced care can make a difference.
How does one even get infected?
Dr Kumar explained that the amoeba lives in freshwater sources like ponds, lakes, and swimming pools. When contaminated water enters the nose, the organisms can travel through the olfactory nerve and into the brain. Drinking infected water doesn’t spread the disease, and it also cannot be passed from one person to another. The only route is through the nose.
Diagnosis usually involves brain scans, lumbar punctures, and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof treatment yet, though a mix of medicines and supportive ICU care has helped improve survival rates in some cases.
Since treatment options are limited, prevention is key. Avoiding dips in untreated freshwater, ensuring swimming pools are chlorinated, and steering clear of nasal rinsing rituals with tap water are some practical steps. Dr Kumar stressed that if rinsing is absolutely necessary, sterile water must be used.
20 lives lost in Kerala
In Kerala, nearly 20 lives have been lost in recent months, pushing the state’s Health Department to issue special treatment guidelines for amoebic meningoencephalitis. Youth groups like the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have also joined the effort, helping clean and chlorinate water bodies to reduce the risk of infection. With preventive action and awareness, experts hope the rising trend of this rare brain fever can be brought under control.
Primary Amoebic Meningo-encephalitis (PAM) isn’t new. According to Dr Kumar, cases have been reported in India and other parts of the world for decades. The two organisms responsible are Naegleria and Acanthamoeba. While the infection was always rare, Kerala has recently seen more cases, partly because of better awareness and improved diagnostic facilities, according to the CMC Vellore-trained doctor.
The doctor further shared that the symptoms in the early stage mimic regular brain fever—fever, headache, and vomiting. But things get serious as the infection advances, leading to disorientation, seizures, confusion, limb weakness, and even coma. Kerala’s recent cases showed a much lower fatality rate of 20–30 per cent, suggesting that early detection and advanced care can make a difference.
How does one even get infected?
Dr Kumar explained that the amoeba lives in freshwater sources like ponds, lakes, and swimming pools. When contaminated water enters the nose, the organisms can travel through the olfactory nerve and into the brain. Drinking infected water doesn’t spread the disease, and it also cannot be passed from one person to another. The only route is through the nose.
Diagnosis usually involves brain scans, lumbar punctures, and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof treatment yet, though a mix of medicines and supportive ICU care has helped improve survival rates in some cases.
Important Details about Primary Amoebic Meningo-encephalitis (PAM)-'Brain-eating amoeba infection' https://t.co/QnmEMnVwV7
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) September 17, 2025
Since treatment options are limited, prevention is key. Avoiding dips in untreated freshwater, ensuring swimming pools are chlorinated, and steering clear of nasal rinsing rituals with tap water are some practical steps. Dr Kumar stressed that if rinsing is absolutely necessary, sterile water must be used.
20 lives lost in Kerala
In Kerala, nearly 20 lives have been lost in recent months, pushing the state’s Health Department to issue special treatment guidelines for amoebic meningoencephalitis. Youth groups like the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have also joined the effort, helping clean and chlorinate water bodies to reduce the risk of infection. With preventive action and awareness, experts hope the rising trend of this rare brain fever can be brought under control.
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