"Don't Take Risk": Shashi Tharoor As Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases Rise In Kerala

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed serious concern on Sunday regarding the increasing cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, urging the public to avoid swimming in freshwater bodies.

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Since the beginning of this year, Kerala has documented approximately 69 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with 19 fatalities, following exposure to Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the "brain-eating" amoeba. As of September 12, the state had recorded 52 cases.

Speaking to ANI about these concerning incidents, the Congress MP stated, "It is a very sad story. A lot of people have contracted this fatal virus by swimming in freshwater. It appears extremely dangerous. Some medical professionals are advising against swimming in fresh water until alternative solutions are found. I can only endorse that recommendation to everyone: Don't take risks, avoid freshwater bodies."

Tharoor further clarified that while certain water sources remained safe, the danger persisted in "untreated natural water" bodies.

"I believe there is some amoeba present there. Seawater, soft water is safe. Your household water is safe, and chlorinated swimming pool water is safe, but unfortunately, swimming in freshwater is not," Mr Tharoor explained.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday stated there are no clusters of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases in 2025, although clusters existed in 2024 connected to a common water source.

She confirmed a total of 69 PAM cases with 19 deaths so far this year, updating previous statistics.

"These are not clusters but individual cases... we did have clusters, though not in 2025. Back in 2024, there was a cluster because the same water source was used. Currently, there is no cluster, but we have documented a total of 69 cases," Minister George informed ANI.

Organizations such as the NCDC and the Kerala Health Department are vigilantly monitoring the situation amid concerns regarding this rare, typically fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.

Regarding the amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in Kerala, Health Minister George added, "We have recorded 69 cases, resulting in 19 fatalities. Particularly following the 2023 Nipah outbreak, we issued strict directives to investigate every meningoencephalitis case. We have also instructed practitioners to determine the cause of meningoencephalitis. If they identify amoeba, they will initiate treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, which can save lives. Early detection is crucial for survival."

Meanwhile, Kerala's health authorities remain on high alert due to multiple cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and frequently fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba."