Kerala has recorded 170 cases and 42 deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis — commonly known as brain-eating amoeba infection — in 2025, the government informed Parliament on Friday.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Health Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the state has reported “211 cases and 53 deaths since 2023”.
“While the year 2023 saw two cases and two deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, it jumped to 39 cases and 9 deaths in 2024. The cases soared to 170 in 2025, and claimed 42 lives,” Jadhav said.
The Minister said the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Kozhikode, conducted an investigation into the rising incidence in July last year.
“A high-level meeting was conducted by the Secretary, Department of Health Research/Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), with national and state experts to review the surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in Kerala.
National Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) surveillance was reinforced through 18 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), with emphasis on cross-validation of tests, improved environmental surveillance, and evidence-based treatment guidance,” he said.
