Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis (brain fever), resulting in 23 deaths, according to State Health Minister Veena George. The state is currently battling this rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
Districts Most Affected
As reported by TOI, the worst-affected districts are Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, while Kozhikode and Malappuram have also reported a rising number of cases.
Mandatory Reporting After Nipah Outbreak
Following the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode in 2023, the Health Department made it mandatory to report all cases of encephalitis and identify their causes. As a result, official reporting began in 2024, and several cases were confirmed to be amoebic encephalitis, George explained in a Facebook post.
Statewide Data and Response
“With the inclusion of the latest cases, Kerala has now recorded 104 confirmed cases of amoebic encephalitis, of which 23 patients have succumbed,” the minister stated. To strengthen disease surveillance and treatment, the Health Department issued general and technical guidelines in 2024 for the diagnosis and management of this infection.
Lower Death Rate Through Early Detection
Highlighting the seriousness of the disease, George noted that Naegleria fowleri infections have a global fatality rate of 98%, while Acanthamoeba-related infections claim over 70% of patients. However, she emphasized that Kerala has successfully reduced mortality by ensuring early detection and timely treatment.
One Health Action Plan Implemented
In 2025, the state implemented an action plan under the One Health approach to strengthen preventive and control measures against amoebic encephalitis.
Coordinated Preventive Measures Across Departments
Based on decisions taken during a joint meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, multiple departments are working together to ensure scientific chlorination and other continuous preventive efforts across Kerala.
George reiterated that these coordinated measures, combined with public health vigilance and inter-departmental cooperation, are key to curbing the spread of this deadly infection.