Kerala on high alert after fifth death reported from brain-eating amoeba, 42 cases so far
Latest death has been reported after Ratheesh, a 45-year-old from Sulthan Bathery, died two days ago at the same hospital.
PTC News Desk: Kerala has recorded its fifth death in a month from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly brain infection. The latest victim, Shobhana, a 56-year-old woman from Vandoor in Malappuram district, passed away while receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where her condition had remained critical. Her body is currently at the hospital.
Latest death has been reported after Ratheesh, a 45-year-old from Sulthan Bathery, died two days ago at the same hospital. He was also battling heart-related complications. Three others had succumbed to the infection in August, bringing the total number of deaths in Kerala to five within a month. At present, 11 patients showing symptoms of the disease are undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College.
The Health Department has issued detailed guidelines for doctors on managing the infection, which is caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water and is often contracted while swimming or bathing.
Authorities noted that Kerala has reported 42 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis this year, highlighting the gravity of the outbreak and the urgent need for preventive measures.
The infection, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba typically found in warm, contaminated freshwater.