Health Minister Veena George said that last year the infection was mainly linked to specific clusters in some districts like Kozhikode and Malappuram, but this time the cases are being reported from different places across the state.
‘दिमाग खाने वाला अमीबा’ का केरल में कहर, अब तक 19 मौतें, 69 केस
The ‘brain-eating amoeba’ (Naegleria fowleri) continues to wreak havoc in Kerala. The Health Department has issued a high alert in the state due to the increasing number of cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). This is a rare but deadly infection that typically enters the body through the nose via contaminated water and reaches the brain, causing severe inflammation.
69 Cases and 19 Deaths So Far
According to the latest Health Department report, 69 confirmed cases have been reported so far this year, of which 19 have died. Significantly, these cases include patients ranging from a three-month-old infant to a 91-year-old. Several deaths have occurred in the past few weeks, prompting the Health Department to be more vigilant.
Cluster-spread infections pose a new challenge.
Health Minister Veena George explained that while last year the infection was primarily linked to specific clusters in a few districts, such as Kozhikode and Malappuram, this time cases are emerging from various locations across the state. This situation is further complicating epidemiological investigations.
Treatment and Survival Rates
Minister George stated that early detection of the infection is crucial. She explained that the survival rate after infection in Kerala is 24 percent, compared to only 3 percent globally. This is attributed to timely diagnosis and the use of the antiparasitic drug miltefosine.
How is the infection spread?
- The disease does not spread from person to person.
- Infection usually occurs when a person comes into contact with contaminated water, and the amoeba enters the body through the nose.
- The amoeba reaches the brain and causes fatal inflammation.
Symptoms of the disease
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Rapidly worsening condition – seizures and unconsciousness
Preventive measures
The government has appealed to the public to take precautions.
Avoid swimming or bathing in ponds, lakes, and other stagnant water.
Use nose clips or keep your nose closed when entering freshwater.
Maintain cleanliness by using chlorine in community wells and water tanks.
If symptoms appear after contact with water, seek immediate medical attention.
Government’s strictness and monitoring
The state government has instructed all hospitals to investigate every meningoencephalitis case as a PAM. The health department has increased surveillance and is also conducting public awareness campaigns.
According to experts, the use of contaminated water sources during the rainy and hot seasons can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, vigilance and timely treatment are the most important prevention methods.
Follow Us on… 
