Kerala Grapples with Brain-Eating Amoeba Outbreak, New Case Reported in Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala is reporting a rise in cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, an extremely rare but often fatal brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The total confirmed cases in the state this year have reached 67, with 18 deaths. The most recent incident involves a 17-year-old boy from Thiruvananthapuram. He is believed to have contracted the infection after swimming in the pool at Akkulam Tourist Village. The pool has been shut down, and water samples are being tested. Health Minister Veena George has called for urgent preventive action. Public advisories emphasize avoiding exposure to warm stagnant water bodies, ensuring good sanitation of pools, and awareness of early symptoms which include headache, fever, neck stiffness, and disorientation. Authorities are also undertaking awareness campaigns in affected districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. Efforts are being made to monitor water sources and ensure that health facilities are ready to respond swiftly. In parallel, Kerala’s traditional export sectors—marine products, spices, cashew, coir, tea, and rubber—are under pressure due to new US tariff regimes. The state government warned of revenue losses and potential job cuts. The combination of a health crisis and economic strain presents dual challenges. While the amoeba outbreak demands immediate health infrastructure response and public education, the trade/tariff issues have longer-term impact on livelihood. The state is seeking relief measures, both through state mechanisms and lobbying with the central government for support.