Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala
Kerala confronted a new health crisis after a cluster of fatal brain infections emerged in Kozhikode and neighbouring districts. The cause was identified as Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that infects the brain through contaminated freshwater. This outbreak exposed vulnerabilities in the state’s healthcare system despite its reputation for strong public health infrastructure.
Naegleria Fowleri
- Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater bodies like ponds, wells, and rivers.
- It enters the human body through the nose and rapidly destroys brain tissue, causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- First identified in 1965 in Australia, it has since caused outbreaks globally, especially in warm climates. Kerala reported its first death in 2016, but the 2024 surge marked an unprecedented increase in cases.
Recent Outbreaks
- The 2024 outbreak saw 29 confirmed cases mostly in southern Kerala districts.
- Unlike global fatality rates exceeding 97%, Kerala saved 24 patients through aggressive treatment and the use of miltefosine, an anti-parasitic drug.
- The infections were linked to contaminated water sources and unsafe community practices like bathing in ponds and sniffing water mixed with tobacco powder.
Factors Driving the Surge
Experts attribute the rise to a combination of climate change, environmental contamination, and cultural habits. Rising temperatures create ideal conditions for Naegleria fowleri to thrive. Sewage and organic waste pollute water bodies, increasing infection risk. Traditional practices expose individuals directly to untreated water, facilitating amoeba entry.
Healthcare Response
Kerala’s health system responded by enhancing diagnostic capabilities with a new public health laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram. Clinicians received training to identify suspected cases early and start immediate treatment. Experience from previous outbreaks, such as Nipah virus, helped improve survival rates. However, the outbreak strained medical resources and revealed the limits of even a strong healthcare network.
Broader Implications
The amoeba’s spread beyond ponds to wells, tanks, soil, and dust signals a changing microbial landscape influenced by climate warming. Kerala’s success in controlling traditional diseases is now challenged by emerging pathogens and environmental changes. The brain-eating amoeba outbreak marks the fragility of health gains amid ecological shifts and the need for vigilant public health strategies.
| Related | |
|---|---|
