Amoebic brain infection causes 17 deaths in Kerala within four months
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Kochi: A fatal brain infection, amoebic meningoencephalitis, has led to 17 deaths in the state so far this year, with 96 confirmed cases reported within the first four months.
This increase has raised concerns about safety and preventive measures. However, medical experts suggest that updated diagnostic guidelines are enabling earlier detection, which is helping to lower the mortality rate.
In 2025, the state recorded 201 confirmed cases and 47 deaths. In a recent incident, a 26-year-old nurse from Ambalapuzha in Alappuzha district died in Thiruvananthapuram while receiving treatment at the Government Medical College for suspected infection caused by a so-called “brain-eating amoeba,” The New Indian Express reported.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the IMA Research Cell in Kerala, explained that the rise in reported cases is largely due to changes in diagnostic practices. He noted that earlier, testing for amoebic infections was conducted only after ruling out other causes, whereas now such tests are performed immediately when brain infections are detected, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. He also indicated that this shift has contributed to a reduction in the death rate compared to the previous year.
More than 30 cases were reported in the latter half of 2024, which prompted the introduction of technical guidelines in July 2024 aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across the state.
Dr Anish T. S., associate professor of epidemiology at Kerala University of Health Sciences, stated that the apparent increase in cases likely reflects improved detection and reporting rather than a worsening situation. He pointed out that similar infections may occur in other regions but remain underreported, suggesting that Kerala’s figures indicate better surveillance.
He further observed that cases are expected to rise in the coming months, as amoebic infections are more common during summer and monsoon seasons. He added that climate change and higher temperatures, especially between March and September, could contribute to increased incidence in tropical regions.
Two forms of the disease—granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), the latter caused by Naegleria fowleri—have been identified in the state.
Dr Rajeev emphasised the importance of conducting local research, noting that reliance on older international studies limits understanding. He suggested that region-specific studies could help identify risk factors, seasonal trends, and environmental causes, ultimately aiding in reducing case numbers.