11 September,2025 -Kerala reported its sixth death due to amoebic meningoencephalitis on Thursday, raising alarm over the rare but deadly brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. The latest victim, a resident of Malappuram, succumbed to the infection at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kozhikode.
The patient, identified as Shaji from Chelambra Chaliparambu in Malappuram, had been undergoing treatment since August 9. Despite medical intervention, his condition worsened, resulting in his death early Thursday morning. Health authorities are investigating the source of infection, which is commonly contracted through contaminated freshwater.
This fatality follows a series of deaths in northern Kerala, including a 56-year-old woman from Thiruvali, Malappuram, who died on September 8. Earlier cases involved a three-month-old infant and a nine-year-old girl from Kozhikode, highlighting the infection’s risk to children.
Currently, ten patients are undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College, with one reported to be in critical condition. The infection typically affects individuals exposed to warm, stagnant freshwater, where the amoeba thrives. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, and untreated cases can progress to seizures, coma, and death.
In response, Kerala’s health authorities have launched a cleaning and chlorination campaign targeting wells and ponds across affected areas. The initiative, called “Jalamanu Jeevan,” aims to remove potential sources of contamination and prevent further spread of the infection.
Health officials have urged residents to take precautions while using freshwater sources and remain vigilant against symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis. While the infection is rare, its high fatality rate underscores the need for preventive measures and public awareness.
