Sat Sep 20 20:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it.

**Summary:**

Kerala, India, is experiencing a perceived surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis (AME) cases. While AME isn’t new to India, Kerala’s aggressive testing strategy for acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) has led to increased detection. Media headlines focus on the “brain-eating” amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), but the majority of recent cases are caused by Acanthamoeba, a more common and less deadly amoeba. Acanthamoeba infections are often linked to immunocompromised individuals and exposure to contaminated water sources. The state is launching a large-scale water chlorination program and working with research institutions to better understand the epidemiology of the disease and refine diagnostic and treatment strategies. Aggressive testing has allowed for quick diagnoses to reduce mortality.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Battles Perceived Surge in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Cases Amid Aggressive Testing**

*Kerala, India – September 21, 2025* – Kerala’s health officials are grappling with heightened public concern surrounding a surge in reported cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis (AME), even after the Nipah outbreak in 2023, in all cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) which are negative for viral diseases, the CSF samples are tested for amoeba, resulting in a surge in AME cases in the last two years. The state’s proactive approach to testing for the condition, often triggered by Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), has revealed a significant number of cases, sparking media reports and anxieties over the potentially fatal disease.

While some reports focus on the “brain-eating” amoeba, *Naegleria fowleri*, health officials emphasize that the majority of recent AME cases in Kerala are linked to *Acanthamoeba*, a more common amoeba found widely in water bodies, tap water, and even hospital environments.

“The increase in reported cases is primarily due to our enhanced testing protocols,” explained a spokesperson for the Kerala Department of Health. “We are now actively screening for amoebic infections in AES cases where the cause is unknown. This allows us to diagnose and treat patients earlier, ultimately saving lives.”

Data shows a significant jump in reported AME cases in Kerala. While instances were sporadic before, 2024 saw 39 cases with eight fatalities, and 2025 has already seen 71 cases with 19 deaths. However, only a small fraction of these (11 cases) are attributed to *Naegleria fowleri*, which has a much higher mortality rate than *Acanthamoeba*.

Health officials stress that *Acanthamoeba* infections are often associated with immunocompromised individuals, such as renal patients on dialysis or cancer patients, who are exposed to the amoeba through contaminated water or skin wounds. While *Naegleria fowleri* is easily tracked to a particular water source, *Acanthamoeba* is more difficult to isolate.

“The public need not panic,” said a leading physician treating AME cases in Kerala. “The greatest risk lies with individuals who have compromised immune systems and those who engage in risky behaviors like nasal irrigation with untreated water.”

In response to the situation, the Kerala government has launched a massive water chlorination program targeting the state’s numerous ponds and wells. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other research institutions are also assisting in analyzing epidemiological data to better understand the transmission routes of amoebic infections.

“Our goal is to reduce the density of amoebae in water sources,” the Health Department spokesperson stated. “Alongside continued aggressive testing and early treatment, this preventative measure will help protect the health of our citizens.”

The situation in Kerala highlights the importance of vigilant disease surveillance and proactive public health measures, even as it underscores the need for accurate and nuanced reporting to avoid unnecessary panic. Kerala has managed to bring down the mortality of AME to 24.5% due to aggressive testing and management, even saving six lives out of the 11 AME cases due to N.fowleri.

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