Kerala's Deadly Amoeba Surge: Cases Skyrocket

Kerala has reported a significant escalation in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, with 133 positive cases and 33 deaths recorded between January 1 and June 12, 2026. This marks a dramatic rise from the eight cases reported between 2016 and 2023. While previously Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) was more common, the current surge is primarily Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), caused by Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba found in water, soil, and dust.

Health officials attribute the increased detection to rigorous testing of all unidentified encephalitis cases. Poor water quality, high population density, and the presence of vegetation in water bodies are contributing factors to the proliferation of Acanthamoeba. The affected individuals are often elderly with compromised immune systems. Kerala has taken a leading role by establishing a special treatment protocol and SOP in 2024, becoming the first Indian state to do so, which has aided in early diagnosis and improved survival rates.

Studies indicate a high prevalence of coliform bacteria in Kerala's water sources, suggesting faecal contamination. This bacterial presence is linked to the increased occurrence of Acanthamoeba. While PAM has a high global fatality rate, GAE offers a better survival prognosis. The state's proactive approach has led to advancements in identifying and treating these serious infections.