Kerala is currently experiencing a concerning outbreak of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. As of September 23, 2025, the state has reported 80 confirmed cases and 21 deaths attributed to this infection. The rise in cases is partly due to enhanced surveillance and diagnostic efforts, with health authorities investigating every encephalitis case to determine its cause. 

Understanding the Infection and Its Transmission

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm, stagnant freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and untreated swimming pools. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, typically during activities like swimming or bathing. Once in the body, the amoeba travels to the brain, causing rapid and severe tissue damage. The infection presents serious challenges due to its rapid onset, difficulty in diagnosis, and low survival rates.

Preventive Measures and Public Awareness

Health experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. These include avoiding swimming in warm, untreated freshwater bodies, using nose clips while engaging in water activities, and ensuring that water used for nasal rinsing is sterile or properly boiled. Early symptoms of the infection include headache, fever, nausea, and stiff neck, and prompt medical attention is crucial for any chance of survival. 

Government Response and Community Engagement

In response to the outbreak, Kerala's health authorities have developed their own testing facilities, including PCR tests, in microbiology labs across the region. Technical guidelines focusing on early detection, treatment, and prevention strategies like chlorination of water sources were issued in 2024. Public education and community-level monitoring of water sources are also being emphasized to combat this deadly infection.