Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Outbreak in Kozhikode: Kerala Health Alert 2025

Kozhikode district faces a growing health crisis as two new cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and deadly brain infection, were confirmed. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri in warm freshwater, rapidly destroys brain tissue after entering through the nose.

A three-month-old infant and a 40-year-old man are under treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. This follows the tragic death of a nine-year-old from the district on August 14, 2025, due to the same infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. Learn about the outbreak, symptoms, and safety measures to protect your family.

The infant, hospitalized on August 4 with fever, tested positive for PAM, marking Kerala’s first reported case in a child so young. Dr. Arunpreet, superintendent at the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Kozhikode Medical College, reported the baby’s condition as critical. Samples are under analysis at a Chandigarh virology lab to identify the amoeba strain. The 40-year-old man, also diagnosed with PAM, is receiving urgent care. Health officials found amoebas in water samples from the infant’s household well, with further tests ongoing to confirm the strain.

The Kerala Health Department has issued a critical advisory to avoid bathing in stagnant or contaminated water sources like ponds, lakes, and rivers, where Naegleria fowleri thrives. This free-living amoeba enters through the nose, attacking brain tissue and causing severe symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea. Dr. R Rajaram, Kozhikode’s district medical officer, stressed avoiding water exposure for infants. Stay informed to prevent infection.

A Class IV student, died on August 14 after contracting PAM. Admitted on August 13 with a high fever, she passed away despite treatment at Kozhikode Medical College. Authorities are tracing the water body linked to her infection and monitoring potential exposures. This is Kozhikode’s fourth PAM case in 2025, raising concerns about local water safety.

PAM is contracted from warm, shallow freshwater sources. To stay safe:

• Avoid swimming or bathing in untreated ponds, lakes, or rivers.

• Use nose clips or keep your head above water in freshwater.

• Monitor for symptoms like fever, headache, or vomiting after water exposure.

• Seek immediate medical help if symptoms appear.

With four PAM cases reported this year, Kozhikode’s health officials are intensifying water testing and public awareness efforts. For the latest updates on the amoebic meningoencephalitis outbreak, water safety guidelines, and health alerts, follow trusted news sources or visit the Kerala Health Department’s website.

(Rh/Eth/VK/TL)