Kerala PAM Outbreak 2025 – Quick Facts & Safety Tips – Medical Experts

The Kerala PAM Outbreak 2025 has become a serious concern for many people in the state. PAM stands for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly brain infection caused by a harmful amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This “brain-eating” amoeba thrives in warm fresh water and enters the body through the nose, often when people swim in contaminated water. With over 69 confirmed cases and 19 deaths reported in Kerala this year alone, knowing about this infection is essential for everyone’s safety. Let’s break down what you need to know in simple terms and understand how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What is Kerala PAM Outbreak 2025?

What Causes PAM and How Does It Spread?

Kerala PAM Outbreak 2025 is linked to Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and even poorly maintained swimming pools. The amoeba is single-celled and usually harmless when swallowed, but when contaminated water enters the nose, it can travel directly to the brain. It then causes severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue, which progresses rapidly and can be fatal. This infection is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. It’s also not caught by drinking the water. The main risk is through nasal exposure to contaminated fresh water. In Kerala, cases have appeared in several districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, and Malappuram, making this outbreak widespread and difficult to track to a single water source.

Why is This Outbreak Happening Now?

Experts suggest several reasons for the rise in PAM cases in Kerala in 2025. Warmer temperatures increase water temperatures, creating an ideal environment for the amoeba to thrive. More people are engaging in water sports and recreational swimming in natural bodies of water. Improved medical detection and lab testing have helped identify more cases than before. Additionally, issues with water sanitation and unchlorinated public water bodies contribute to the spread. Interestingly, Kerala has managed to improve survival rates compared to the global average. While global deaths from PAM can reach up to 97%, Kerala’s improved diagnosis and treatment have reduced this fatality rate to around 24%.

How to Protect Yourself: Safety Tips from Medical Experts

Prevention Starts with Awareness

The best way to avoid PAM is through awareness and simple precautions. People are advised to avoid swimming or diving in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, ponds, or rivers, especially if they have cuts or a weakened immune system. If you must enter potentially contaminated water, wearing nose clips can significantly reduce the risk. Using properly chlorinated and well-maintained swimming pools is safer. It’s also important to prevent water from entering your nose while bathing or washing your face, which can be done by tilting your head back. Kerala’s public health programs, like “Jalamanu Jeevan” or Water is Life, actively disinfect wells and water storage tanks to reduce the risk.

Early Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Symptoms of PAM usually appear quickly, often within one to nine days after exposure. These include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and loss of balance. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after freshwater contact, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis is vital because prompt treatment with drugs such as miltefosine, antibiotics, and steroids can improve chances of survival. Kerala’s hospitals are now well-prepared to handle these cases efficiently.

What Kerala Is Doing to Fight the Outbreak

The Kerala government and health authorities have taken aggressive steps to control the outbreak. They conduct widespread testing and surveillance to detect new cases early and have implemented chlorination drives throughout villages and cities to disinfect water bodies and storage units. Awareness campaigns educate the public about water safety and hygiene. Hospitals are equipped with proper treatment protocols and essential drugs needed to manage patients effectively. Community involvement is encouraged to maintain clean water facilities and report any suspected unsafe water sources. This proactive approach helps reduce fear while emphasizing practical safety measures.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health issues. Reliance on this information is at your own risk. Stay informed, stay safe.

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