Lok Sabha Question No. 1012 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Meningoencephalitis Cases
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Prof. Sougata Ray, Adv. Adoor Prakash

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA

## MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1012 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2025

## MENINGOENCEPHALITIS CASES

## 1012. PROF. SOUGATA RAY: ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether it is a fact that cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (AME) have been reported

from various parts of the country, including the State of Kerala and if so, the details thereof; (b) the number of AME cases reported and deaths that have occurred in Kerala so far;

- (c) whether the Government is considering sending a team of experts to assess the situation in the State and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether any State Government has resisted or avoided frequent reporting of cases of this disease and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government has taken adequate measures and extended necessary immediate assistance to tackle the situation and prevent further outbreak of AME and other forms of meningitis in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Government is conducting awareness programmes regarding Amoebic Meningoencephalitis and viral fevers spreading across the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) & (b) As per the report communicated by the State Surveillance Unit (SSU), Kerala, year wise details of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis data in last three years are annexed.

(c) to (f) An investigation on the incidence of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis was conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Kozhikode branch which comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with the help of concerned District Health Authorities in the month of July, 2024.

A high-level meeting was conducted by Secretary, Department of Health Research/Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with National and State experts to review the surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in Kerala. National Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) surveillance was reinforced through 18 Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratories ( VRDLs), with emphasis on cross-validation of tests, improved environmental surveillance, and evidence-based treatment guidance.

The Government of India continues to support Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities and collaborated with the State of Kerala for research, prevention, and preparedness. Detailed epidemiological assessments were conducted by NCDC, reinforcing surveillance and strengthening IEC activities. Accordingly, a revised Communicable Disease (CD) alert was issued by NCDC, New Delhi on Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in October 2024 highlighting management, preventive and control measures.

(Source:https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CD-Alert-Primary-Amoe bic-Meningo-Encephalitis.pdf)

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ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) & (b) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1012 FOR 05.12.2025 REGARDING

MENINGOENCEPHALITIS CASES;

| Year wise details of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases and deaths reported in Kerala in last 3 years   | Year wise details of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases and deaths reported in Kerala in last 3 years   | Year wise details of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases and deaths reported in Kerala in last 3 years   |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Year                                                                                                   | No. of Cases                                                                                           | Deaths                                                                                                 |
| 2023                                                                                                   | 2                                                                                                      | 2                                                                                                      |
| 2024                                                                                                   | 39                                                                                                     | 9                                                                                                      |
| 2025*                                                                                                  | 170                                                                                                    | 42                                                                                                     |

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