On the eve of Onam, Kerala faces a tragic tale of sudden loss as Sobhana, a vibrant 45-year-old, succumbs to Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that usually lurks benignly in warm freshwater. Just a few days prior, she only experienced dizziness and was sent home with medication, but this rare and deadly infection took a rapid turn, showing the sheer speed at which it can escalate.
Sadly, Sobhana's fate is part of a disturbing trend in Kerala, where more than 70 cases have emerged in 2025 alone, resulting in 19 deaths. The dangers from the so-called brain-eating amoeba are exacerbated by the state's widespread reliance on groundwater and the pollution of natural water sources. Public health authorities acknowledge the complexity of the challenge ahead.
The amoeba, known for causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), can enter the body through the nose while swimming or engaging with freshwater. Recent data suggests Kerala has seen increased detection of the disease due to advanced lab technologies, reflecting both a rise in awareness and a need for better public education.
Survival rates appear to be improving, thanks to aggressive testing and early diagnosis. Kerala's medical community is strategizing to provide timely treatment that includes a mixture of antimicrobials and steroids, actively seeking to save lives from further infections.
Climate change is an underlying factor that may increase the prevalence and risks associated with Naegleria fowleri. Warmer water and rising temperatures create perfect conditions for the amoeba to thrive, highlighting an urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures within communities.
As awareness campaigns continue, a balance between informing the public about risks while not causing undue panic is essential. The developments in Kerala serve as a serious reminder of how climate change could reshape health landscapes and the types of diseases communities are likely to face.
