'Brain-eating amoeba' alert in India: 19 deaths, 69 cases reported

In the Indian state of Kerala, 19 people have died this year due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the " brain -eating amoeba."

According to the Hindustan Times, the Kerala Health Ministry made a statement regarding the PAM infection seen in the region.

It was reported that 69 people have been diagnosed in the state since the beginning of the year, and 19 people have died due to the infection.

The statement noted that the infection in question did not originate from a specific water source and that the cases were isolated, and that inspections were intensified across the state following the cases.

The infection, which initially presents with symptoms of headache, high fever, nausea and vomiting, is known to have a high mortality rate.