Kerala, India, has witnessed 17 deaths from Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, over the past four months, with 96 confirmed cases reported between January and April 2026. The state had previously recorded 201 cases and 557 deaths in 2025 due to amoebic meningoencephalitis. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the IMA Research Cell in Kerala, noted that revised diagnostic guidelines have improved early detection and treatment, thereby reducing the fatality rate from approximately 99% globally to about 24% in Kerala. Health Minister Veena George emphasized the importance of surveillance and testing for patients exhibiting symptoms of encephalitis, as the infection can enter through the nose and affect the brain. To prevent PAM, individuals are advised to avoid swimming in warm freshwater and to use distilled water for nasal irrigation. Symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, and confusion, progressing to severe neurological issues.