Surge in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases in Kerala Raises Concerns

In 2025, Kerala has reported a troubling increase in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, with 170 infections and 42 fatalities. The Union Health Minister provided insights into the situation, revealing a total of 211 cases and 53 deaths since 2023. Investigations and enhanced surveillance measures are being implemented to address this public health concern. The disease, primarily caused by Naegleria fowleri, poses significant risks, especially in warm freshwater environments. The government is actively collaborating with state authorities to improve research, prevention, and preparedness efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 16:32 IST

Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Outbreak in Kerala

New Delhi, Dec 5: The state of Kerala has reported a significant increase in cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, also referred to as brain-eating amoeba infection, with 170 cases and 42 fatalities recorded in 2025, as disclosed by the government during a parliamentary session on Friday.

In a written statement to the Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav revealed that since 2023, Kerala has seen a total of 211 cases and 53 deaths attributed to this infection.

According to Jadhav, the year 2023 recorded only two cases and two deaths, but the numbers escalated to 39 cases and nine deaths in 2024. The alarming rise continued into 2025, culminating in 170 cases and 42 deaths.

The Minister mentioned that an investigation into the amoebic meningoencephalitis cases was carried out by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Kozhikode last July.

Furthermore, a high-level meeting was convened by the Secretary of the Department of Health Research and the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), involving national and state experts to assess the spike in cases in Kerala. Enhanced surveillance for National Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was implemented through 18 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), focusing on cross-validation of tests, improved environmental monitoring, and evidence-based treatment protocols.

The government is actively promoting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives and has partnered with the Kerala state government for research, prevention, and preparedness efforts.

Additionally, the NCDC has conducted thorough epidemiological evaluations to bolster surveillance and enhance IEC activities. A revised Communicable Disease (CD) alert was issued by NCDC in New Delhi in October 2024, outlining management, preventive, and control strategies for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis.

Amoebic encephalitis is a severe and rapidly fatal disease affecting the central nervous system, primarily caused by the Naegleria fowleri infection.

This disease typically arises when individuals swim in warm freshwater bodies, such as lakes and rivers, where Naegleria fowleri is found.