Kerala is on high alert after 19 people died from infections caused by the brain-eating amoeba this year. Health officials confirmed 72 infections, including 9 deaths in September alone. Last year, the state reported 36 infections and 9 deaths. The rare amoeba, called Naegleria fowleri, enters through the nose from contaminated water and destroys brain tissue. It does not spread from person to person. The fatality rate is above 95%, with symptoms like headache, fever, vomiting, seizures, and coma. Authorities are conducting large-scale testing across the state. Experts warn infections are rare but nearly always fatal. (PC: HT)

Kerala is grappling with a significant increase in cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. In 2025, the state has reported 67 confirmed cases and 19 deaths. The infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nasal passages, often during activities like swimming in warm freshwater bodies. Symptoms include severe headache, high fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Health authorities have issued advisories urging the public to avoid swimming in untreated water and ensure proper chlorination of pools.   

Kerala has reported 19 deaths this year from Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but deadly brain infection caused by the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri. Health officials confirmed 61 cases across the state, affecting people from infants to the elderly. The infection spreads when contaminated freshwater enters through the nose, often while swimming or bathing. It does not spread person-to-person. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, often mistaken for meningitis. The state government has urged people to avoid stagnant or untreated water, use nose clips when swimming, and clean wells and tanks properly. Early detection remains crucial for survival. (PC: NDTV)

Kerala has confirmed 67 cases of brain-eating amoeba infections this year, with 18 deaths, according to updated health data. A 17-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram was the latest case after visiting a swimming pool at Akkulam Tourist Village, which has now been closed. The deadly infection, caused by Naegleria fowleri, spreads when contaminated water enters the nose. Health Minister Veena George urged people to avoid stagnant or polluted water and ensure wells and swimming pools are chlorinated. She stressed, “The amoeba enters your brain through your nose.” The health department has stepped up surveillance and water safety measures across the state. (PC: India Today)

Kerala has confirmed 67 cases and 18 deaths from brain-eating amoeba this year, according to revised figures. A new case was reported in Thiruvananthapuram, where a 17-year-old boy tested positive after swimming at Akkulam Tourist Village. The health department has shut the pool and collected water samples. Health Minister Veena George urged strict safety steps, warning against bathing in stagnant or polluted water. She advised chlorination of wells, swimming pools, and clean home water storage. The amoeba enters through the nose, causing fatal brain infection. Two recent deaths were reported in Malappuram and Sulthan Bathery districts. (PC: India today )

Russia's Enteromix cancer vaccine has achieved 100% efficacy and safety in early clinical trials targeting colorectal cancer. Developed using mRNA technology similar to COVID-19 vaccines, the personalized immunotherapy is tailored to each patient's tumor profile. The trial involved 48 volunteers and was conducted by Russia's National Medical Research Radiological Centre with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology. Patients experienced tumor shrinkage without serious side effects. Announced at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the vaccine awaits regulatory approval from Russia's Ministry of Health. Unlike conventional cancer vaccines, Enteromix offers fully personalized design and rapid mRNA platform adaptability, potentially transforming cancer treatment globally if validated through larger trials. (PC: X)

The Ayushman Bharat public health insurance scheme is crumbling under unpaid dues surpassing ₹1.21 lakh crore. In Haryana alone, over 600 private hospitals have halted services since August 7, citing ₹500 crore in pending claims — patients like Faridabad cancer patient Jameel fear losing access to critical treatment . Similar disruptions are unfolding in Manipur, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir, where hospitals threaten to cease operations amidst mounting arrears . Systemic underfunding, stagnant package rates, bureaucratic delays, and trust deficits are pushing the flagship scheme toward collapse. Patients remain distressed, and private hospitals demand urgent reforms and timely payments. (PC: The Print)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday issued a bird flu alert, ordering heightened vigilance across zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands, and cow shelters. The directive includes regular sanitisation, blow-torching where necessary, and mandatory health checks for all animals and birds. Staff will receive PPE kits, safety training, and duties assigned based on risk levels. Poultry farms will be closely monitored, with strict controls on poultry product movement. The Health Department has been tasked to assess bird flu’s potential human impact and submit preventive measures. Coordination with central agencies and veterinary institutes will ensure timely response and containment. (PC: HT)

A fire broke out at Kosmos Hospital in East Delhi’s Anand Vihar on Saturday afternoon, killing a 28-year-old housekeeping staff member and injuring several others. The blaze originated in the server room on the ground floor, quickly filling the multi-storey building with smoke. Eight fire tenders responded to the emergency. Eleven people were rescued, with eight patients shifted to Pushpanjali Hospital. Three staff members were hospitalized; one, identified as Amit, died after reportedly locking himself in a third-floor bathroom. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and officials are probing possible lapses in fire safety compliance. Hospital authorities cited a short-circuit as the suspected trigger for the incident.

England has launched the world's first gonorrhoea vaccination programme amid soaring infection rates and rising antibiotic resistance. Starting today, eligible individuals can receive the vaccine free at sexual health clinics across the country. The NHS and Department of Health rolled out the initiative to combat a sharp rise in gonorrhoea cases, which reached 85,000 in 2023—three times the 2012 figure. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton called it a "world-leading breakthrough" and urged eligible people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their partners. The vaccine aims to curb the spread of the STI, especially strains resistant to current antibiotics. (PC: NDTV)