Kerala has reported 69 cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and 19 related deaths so far this year, Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday. 
She clarified that unlike last year, when contaminated water sources in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur led to cluster outbreaks, no such clusters have been detected in 2025.
PAM is a rare but often deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the &ldquo;brain-eating amoeba.&rdquo; 
The parasite enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming or bathing in infected freshwater. 
It does not spread through drinking water.
The illness advances quickly, with symptoms including sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and eventually loss of consciousness.
To address the threat, Kerala authorities, along with the National Centre for Disease Control, have intensified surveillance across the state. 
Doctors have been instructed to screen all meningoencephalitis cases for possible amoebic infection and begin treatment without delay.
Minister George added that Kerala&rsquo;s health system has become more resilient since the Nipah outbreak of 2023, enabling better management of PAM cases this year.

Kerala reports deadly brain-eating amoeba cases

Kerala confirms 69 brain-eating amoeba cases and 19 deaths, no cluster outbreak in 2025

Kerala Reports 69 PAM Cases, 19 Deaths

Kerala confirms 69 brain-eating amoeba cases and 19 deaths, no cluster outbreak in 2025

September 17, 2025 | 17:33 IST