Introduction to Brain-eating amoeba infection in Kerala 2025
Brain-eating amoeba infection in Kerala 2025: Kerala is facing a health scare as Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, popularly known as the brain-eating amoeba infection, has caused 18 deaths in 2025. Health officials have urged the public to avoid unsafe water exposure as fresh cases continue to emerge.
Rare Brain Infection in Kerala
A 17-year-old boy from Thiruvananthapuram was recently diagnosed with the deadly infection after swimming in a pool at Akkulam Tourist Village. Following the incident, authorities immediately shut down the pool and collected water samples for testing.
According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) report released on September 14, Kerala has registered 67 cases this year, with 18 confirmed deaths.
Multiple Deaths Reported
Recent victims include Shobhana (56) from Malappuram and Ratish (45) from Sultan Bathery, who succumbed while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. With back-to-back fatalities, the Kerala Health Department has heightened monitoring efforts.
Minister’s Warning to the Public
Kerala Health Minister Veena George urged people to take strict precautions:
- Avoid washing the face or swimming in stagnant or contaminated water.
- Wells should be scientifically chlorinated.
- Theme park and public swimming pools must maintain chlorine levels as per health standards.
She explained that the amoeba enters the human brain through the nose while swimming, stressing the importance of preventing water entry into nasal passages.
FAQs on Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala
1. What is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?
It is a rare but often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which thrives in warm freshwater bodies.
2. How does the infection spread?
The amoeba typically infects people when contaminated water enters the nose during swimming or bathing in unclean water sources. It does not spread from person to person.
3. What precautions can people take?
Health experts recommend avoiding swimming in stagnant water, using nose clips while swimming, and ensuring proper chlorination of wells and pools.
Conclusion on brain-eating amoeba infection in Kerala 2025
The rising cases of brain-eating amoeba infection in Kerala 2025 underline the urgent need for awareness and prevention. With the infection being rare but fatal, authorities stress community-level water safety and personal precautions to stop further deaths.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are advised to consult healthcare experts for guidance.