Kerala On Alert: Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection Leaves 23 Dead | What We Know

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Kerala has been witnessing a major health scare, with the state reporting a total of 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis (brain fever). According to the state health minister, Veena George, 23 patients have so far died due to the infection. Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts are among the most affected areas, with Kozhikode and Malappuram also reporting a surge in cases.

“Following the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode in 2023, it was decided and directed that all cases of encephalitis (brain fever) must be mandatorily reported and that the causes behind such cases should be identified. As a result, from 2024 onwards, encephalitis cases began to be officially reported, and some of them were found to be amoebic encephalitis,” George said in a post on Facebook on Sunday.

“Including the cases reported today, a total of 104 amoebic encephalitis cases have been reported so far, of which 23 patients have died,” she added.

In the official statement, the health minister also mentioned that the fatality rate for Naegleria fowleri infection is 98 per cent globally, and for Acanthamoeba-related cases, it is above 70 per cent.

“Despite such high global mortality rates, Kerala has managed to significantly reduce the death rate by detecting and treating the disease at an early stage,” she said.

In 2025, a detailed action plan following the One Health approach was created and carried out to stop the spread of amoebic encephalitis by protecting the health of people, animals, and the environment together.

“Based on the decisions taken at a joint meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, various departments are working together to ensure scientific chlorination and other preventive measures are carried out continuously across the state,” she said.

About Amoebic Encephalitis (Brain Fever)

Amoebic encephalitis, often referred to as brain fever, is a rare but deadly infection caused by free-living amoebae such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, or Balamuthia mandrillaris. These organisms are commonly found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, and hot springs. The infection usually begins when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain.

Once it reaches the brain, it causes severe inflammation known as encephalitis, leading to symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and sometimes hallucinations. The disease progresses rapidly, and most cases are fatal despite medical intervention. Early detection is critical, but diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms resemble those of meningitis. Preventive measures include avoiding swimming in warm, stagnant water and using sterile or boiled water for nasal cleansing. Prompt medical attention is vital for any suspected exposure.

Symptoms of Brain Fever (Amoebic Encephalitis):

• High-grade fever with sudden onset
• Severe and persistent headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck stiffness and pain during movement
• Confusion, disorientation, or altered mental state
• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Blurred or double vision
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of coordination and balance
• In advanced stages, coma or death may occur if not treated promptly