We predicted it

Still a mystery, experts are struggling to figure it out

Kerala is experiencing a never-before-seen epidemic of brain-eating infections across the state. After many rare diseases, Kerala is now experiencing the extreme of waterborne diseases. Kerala is confronting a rare but deadly cluster of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri, with about 69 confirmed cases and 19 deaths reported in 2025. Kerala's strong baseline—i.e., the state's high literacy and its decentralized, primary care-led system—supports early care-seeking. However, hot, humid conditions, heavy rainfall, and extensive backwaters create warm, stagnant freshwater. Pond swimming, ritual nasal immersion, and urbanization outpacing drainage increase exposure, and untreated private wells increase risk.

Public guidance should emphasize measures that reduce nasal exposure: prefer properly maintained, disinfected pools, or seawater rather than untreated freshwater; keep the head above water and use nose clips when exposure is unavoidable; use boiled, distilled, or appropriately disinfected water for nasal rinsing. Even people who used treated water got affected by the infection, and still, health authorities are struggling to figure out the source of infection.

We always recommend safe water across homes. We are designed to deliver disinfected safe water at every household using Optimus Smart water tanks. We are seeing this as an early sign, an alarm to get ready for the future. Kerala always keeps their health as a high priority, which leads to early detection and cure.

Report on Lancet

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01971-3/fulltext?rss=yes