Battling a rare brain-eating disease in an Indian state

Published: 9/18/2025
Battling a rare brain-eating disease in an Indian state
In Kerala, India, a rise in cases of the rare brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has caused concern, with over 70 cases and 19 deaths this year alone. The amoeba enters the body through the nose during swimming in freshwater, rapidly leading to a deadly brain infection. Improved detection methods and early diagnosis have helped reduce the fatality rate, with doctors in the state implementing aggressive testing and customized treatments to combat the disease. Public health measures like chlorinating wells and raising awareness about the risks of using untreated water are being emphasized to prevent further infections in the population.