Thiruvananthapuram, India — Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that there are currently no clusters of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases in 2025. This follows clusters reported in 2024 that were linked to a shared water source. So far this year, the state has recorded 69 PAM cases, resulting in 19 deaths, according to updated figures from the health department.
In a recent statement, George emphasized that while there have been individual cases this year, no new clusters are emerging. “We did have clusters in 2024, but as of now, we only have isolated cases,” she noted, underlining the importance of ongoing monitoring. Health authorities, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), are actively observing the situation surrounding this rare but severe brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
The Health Minister highlighted that following the Nipah virus outbreak in 2023, stringent guidelines were implemented to scrutinize each case of meningoencephalitis. She urged healthcare providers to investigate further if amoebic infections are suspected, as timely detection can be critical to saving lives. “Early detection leads to saving lives,” George stated.
As health officials remain vigilant, recent reports indicate a series of deaths from PAM in various districts across Kerala in August and September 2025. The NCDC and state health department are prioritizing constant surveillance, laboratory confirmations, and epidemiological research to tackle this pressing public health issue.
Public health responses include testing for febrile and symptomatic individuals in affected regions and issuing alerts to medical facilities. Awareness campaigns are also underway to educate communities on the risks associated with exposure to freshwater sources. In addition, measures to clean and chlorinate public water supplies have been ordered to mitigate the risk of infection.
This year’s PAM cases span a wide age range, from three months to 91 years, with a demographic breakdown showing 33 males and 19 females affected. Historical trends indicate that previous outbreaks of PAM in Kerala were reported mainly in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur districts during the summer months.
As the state grapples with these health challenges, authorities continue to emphasize the necessity of public awareness and preventive actions to combat the potentially fatal effects of this infection.