Brain-Eating Amoeba in Kerala: What It Is, How It Spreads and How to Stay Safe

Kerala is grappling with an alarming rise in brain-eating amoeba infections, a rare but deadly disease that attacks the brain. In 2025 alone, the state has reported 69 confirmed cases and 19 deaths, a sharp increase compared to fewer than ten cases in the six years before 2023. Health authorities are calling it a major public health concern, as the infection spreads beyond traditional hotspots like Kozhikode and Malappuram.