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Brain Eating Amoeba treatment, symptoms and precautions: Kerala’s health department has stepped up surveillance after an increase in Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases, a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. Officials confirmed 61 cases in 2025, including 19 deaths, many of which occurred in recent weeks. The infection is considered highly fatal as it spreads quickly once symptoms appear.

What Is Brain Eating Amoeba?

PAM is a brain infection caused by a single-celled amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, also known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The organism is found in warm freshwater and soil. When it enters the body through the nose, it can travel to the brain, leading to tissue damage, swelling and rapid decline in health.

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How Infection PAM Occurs

The amoeba survives in warm, stagnant water such as ponds, lakes, rivers, hot springs and even poorly maintained swimming pools. Infection does not spread by drinking water. It occurs only when contaminated water enters the nose during activities such as swimming, diving or nasal rinsing with untreated water. The parasite then moves through the nasal passage to the brain. Experts confirm that PAM is not transmitted from person to person.

Brain Eating Amoeba Symptoms 

Early symptoms of PAM are often confused with meningitis. These include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and tiredness. Signs usually appear one to nine days after exposure. As the infection develops, patients may experience stiff neck, confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, seizures and coma. The illness progresses rapidly, often proving fatal within a few days.

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‘Brain- Eating Amoeba’: PAM Treatment And Challenges

There is no specific cure for PAM, but some patients survive if treatment begins at the earliest stage. Doctors say early detection before the amoeba reaches the brain is crucial. Health Minister Veena George has also urged doctors to remain alert and begin treatment immediately if PAM is suspected. Experts note that the rarity of the disease and delays in diagnosis make it difficult to test drug combinations effectively.

Brain Eating Amoeba Precautions

Authorities have advised people to avoid swimming in stagnant or warm freshwater during hot weather. Nose clips can reduce the risk if entering such water cannot be avoided. For nasal rinsing, only boiled, cooled, or distilled water should be used instead of untreated tap or stored water. Regular cleaning and chlorination of wells, tanks, swimming pools and public water sources have also been recommended.