• Source:JND
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Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba: Kerala's health authorities are on high alert after 19 people died of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." As per Kerala Health Minister Veena George there are no clusters of PAM cases in 2025. She further confirmed that the state has so far reported 69 PAM cases.

"Not clusters, single cases...we did have clusters, but not in 2025... but back in 2024, there was a cluster there because the same water source was used...here, there is no cluster, but we have cases, we have a total number of 69 cases,” Minister Veena George told ANI on Tuesday.

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On cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, Health Minister George said, "We did have 69 cases, and out of 69 cases, 19 deaths were reported...Specifically, after the 2023 Nipah outbreak, we issued strict instructions to investigate every meningoencephalitis case...We have also asked the practitioners to check the cause of that meningoencephalitis...If they find amoeba, they will start the treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, which saves lives...Early detection leads to saving lives."

Kerala has reported multiple deaths due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases across districts in August and September 2025, official sources said, as per ANI.

"Given past reports from the state and high fatality associated with the disease, continuous vigilance, enhanced surveillance, environmental sampling, and strict IEC measures are essential. NCDC and the State Health Department are monitoring the situation closely, with laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigations underway," official sources said on Friday.

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Public Health Response For PAM Involves:

-Testing of febrile and symptomatic individuals across affected districts.

-Alert issued to Kozhikode Medical College and district hospitals.

-Awareness campaigns in communities regarding the risks of freshwater exposure, as per ANI.

-Environmental measures: Instructions issued for cleaning and chlorination of wells and public water sources.

(With ANI Inputs)