India Raises Health Alarm Due to Rising Cases of Brain-Eating Amoeba

India has issued a nationwide health alert following a significant increase in cases and fatalities caused by a rare water-borne parasite known as Naegleria fowleri, often dubbed the "brain-eating" amoeba. The southern state of Kerala has reported a doubling of infections and deaths compared to the previous year, raising concerns among health officials and authorities. As of this year, there have been 19 confirmed deaths and 72 confirmed cases linked to this amoeba, including nine fatalities and 24 cases recorded just in September alone. Last year, the number of deaths was nine out of 36 reported cases.

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain. It cannot spread from person to person. The infection is extremely rare but often fatal, with a mortality rate exceeding 95%. Symptoms usually begin with headache, fever, and nausea, quickly progressing to seizures, hallucinations, altered mental state, and coma.

Health experts, including Altaf Ali, a doctor part of the government’s task force, are conducting extensive testing across the region to detect and treat cases early. The sudden emergence of new cases across different parts of Kerala is concerning, signaling the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. Globally, since 1962, nearly 500 cases have been documented, predominantly in countries such as the United States, India, Pakistan, and Australia.

Prevention mainly involves avoiding nasal exposure to contaminated water, especially during activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater sources. The situation underscores the importance of monitoring water sources and educating the public about safety precautions. Medical authorities and health organizations remain vigilant as investigations continue to understand and curb the spread of this deadly amoeba.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-india-health-brain-amoeba.html