Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala: Key Facts, Risks & Precautions

 


Kerala has seen an unusual rise in confirmed infections of Naegleria fowleri (the “brain-eating amoeba”) in 2025, with dozens of cases and multiple deaths reported across the state. Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but rapidly progressive and often fatal infection. This article explains the organism and disease, why Kerala is vulnerable and seeing growth in cases, what authorities are doing, and concrete precautions you and your community can take. 

What is it?
The brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) is a microorganism found in warm freshwater. It infects people when contaminated water enters through the nose, traveling to the brain and causing Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) — a rare but usually fatal disease. Drinking contaminated water does not cause infection.

Kerala Situation (2025):
Kerala has reported an unusual rise in cases in 2025, with multiple deaths. Most are linked to swimming or bathing in contaminated freshwater or unsafe water use for nasal cleansing. State hospitals and universities have begun water-testing initiatives and awareness drives.

Why is it rising in Kerala?

  • Climate & warm water: Kerala’s hot, humid climate and rising water temperatures create ideal conditions.
  • Monsoon & stagnant water: Flooding and standing water increase exposure.
  • Poorly maintained water systems: Unchlorinated wells and tanks can harbor the amoeba.
  • Local practices: Bathing, swimming, or ritual ablutions in freshwater raise risk.
  • Climate change: Longer warm seasons expand risk.

Symptoms to watch for:

  • Severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion or seizures — usually within 1–12 days of exposure.
  • Disease progresses rapidly; immediate hospital care is vital.

Precautions:

  • Avoid swimming in warm, stagnant freshwater; prefer chlorinated pools.
  • If swimming is unavoidable, use nose clips and avoid diving or submerging the head.
  • For nasal rinsing (neti pot, ablution): use only boiled, distilled, or sterile water.
  • Clean and chlorinate household water tanks regularly.
  • Seek emergency care if symptoms appear after recent freshwater/nasal water exposure.

Community Steps:
Better water monitoring, chlorination, public education, and rapid testing are needed. Kerala has started specialized labs and awareness campaigns to tackle the spread.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Donald Trump makes triumphant return to President seat of USA , Kamala Harris fight in vain

Image
  Donald Trump has been declared the 47th President of the United States, having won the popular vote and likely secured the 270 electoral votes required to claim the presidency. On Wednesday, as votes were still being counted in several states, major U.S. media outlets confirmed Trump as the winner. He received more citizen votes than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris and, according to the Associated Press, has also reached the necessary 270 electoral votes to officially be recognized as President-elect. Several international leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have congratulated Trump on his victory. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has yet to make any public statement. Russia issued a statement expressing that it holds "no illusions" but is prepared to cooperate with the Trump administration....
Read more

Desserts: Ssiat Hotteok - How to prepare this Korean pancake

Image
Ssiat Hotteok  is a variation of Hotteok , a popular Korean stuffed pancake. While traditional Hotteok is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and peanuts, Ssiat Hotteok is unique to Busan , where it includes a crunchy filling of various seeds (most commonly sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and more) in addition to the sweet syrup. Hot, chewy on the outside and oozing with a nutty, sugary crunch on the inside, Ssiat Hotteok is especially popular in colder months and a must-try for food lovers visiting Korea. Ingredients For the Dough: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour (for chewiness) 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp instant dry yeast 3/4 cup warm water (more as needed) 2 tbsp milk (optional, for richer dough) 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying) For the Filling: 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or walnuts (optional) For the Seed Mix: 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (hulled) 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds ...
Read more

Sporting lcons : Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: A Legendary Footballer , career HLs & video

Image
  Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was born on September 25, 1955, in Lippstadt, West Germany. A legendary forward, Rummenigge was known for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and prolific goal-scoring. He was one of the most influential players of the late 1970s and 1980s, achieving success at both club and international levels, and later became a key figure in football administration. Style of Play Rummenigge was a forward who combined elegance with athleticism. He was versatile, able to play as a central striker or on the wings, using his speed, dribbling skills, and powerful shots to dismantle defenses. His balance and close ball control allowed him to glide past defenders, while his ability to score from distance, as well as in one-on-one situations, made him one of the most feared attackers of his time. Rummenigge also excelled in aerial duels, thanks to his height and leaping ability, making him a complete forward. He was known for his composure in front of goal, intelli...
Read more