india Issues Health Alert as ‘Brain-Eating’ Amoeba Cases Surge
New Delhi, India – Indian health officials have issued a statewide alert in Kerala following a dramatic increase in infections and deaths linked to Naegleria fowleri, a rare and often fatal amoeba commonly referred to as a “brain-eating” amoeba. The surge in cases has prompted large-scale testing and treatment efforts across the southern state.
While the overall number of infections remains relatively low, the doubling of cases compared to last year is raising significant concern. This year, 72 infections and 19 deaths have been reported, including a sharp rise in September alone with nine fatalities and 24 confirmed cases. Last year, the amoeba claimed nine lives out of 36 reported infections. The infection, though rare, is especially devastating, with a fatality rate exceeding 95% once it reaches the brain.
The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, typically during swimming or other water activities, and travels to the brain. Symptoms, which begin about five days after infection, include headache, fever, nausea, and stiff neck, progressing rapidly to neurological symptoms.
“Officials are conducting tests on a large scale across the state to detect and treat cases,” stated Altaf Ali, a doctor involved with the government task force addressing the outbreak, in comments to AFP.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the amoeba causes a severe brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which destroys brain tissue. Health officials are urging residents and visitors to take precautions when engaging in water activities, including avoiding nasal irrigation with tap water and using nose clips or plugs when swimming in freshwater sources. The current outbreak underscores the importance of vigilance and rapid diagnosis in combating this possibly deadly infection.