Lok Sabha Question No. 989 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Adv Dean Kuriakose, Shri K C Venugopal

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 989 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2025

## CASES OF AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS

## 989. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL: ADVDEAN KURIAKOSE:

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

(a) the number of confirmed cases and deaths due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) across the country during the last three years (2023-25), State -wise;

(b) the details of interventions undertaken by the Union Government to combat the PAM outbreak, including allocations under the National Health Mission for its study and enhanced diagnostics, State-wise;

(c) whether a high-level expert team has been deputed to Kerala since the surge in cases, to investigate patterns, support contact tracing and formulate an action plan and if so, the details thereof along with the outcomes of their assessments and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Union Government intends to send a team in future and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) As per the report communicated by the State Surveillance Unit (SSU), Kerala, year wise details of confirmed cases and deaths due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in last three years are annexed.

(b) to (d) 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 collaboration 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) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 989 FOR 05.12.2025 REGARDING CASES OF AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS;

| 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                                                                                                     |
| * - As on 27 th November, 2025                                                                         | * - As on 27 th November, 2025                                                                         | * - As on 27 th November, 2025                                                                         |