Kerala reports two more deaths from rare brain-eating amoeba, toll rises to three in August
PTC Web Desk: Two persons, including a three-month-old baby, have died while receiving treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly brain infection, at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, health officials confirmed on Monday. With these deaths, the number of fatalities due to the infection in Kerala this month has risen to three.
The infant, son of Abubacker Siddique from Omassery in Kozhikode district, had been battling the disease for nearly a month. His condition deteriorated on Sunday, leading to his death in the hospital’s ICU.
The second victim, identified as 52-year-old Ramla from Kappil in Malappuram district, first developed symptoms on July 8. Initially admitted to a private hospital, she was later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College after her health worsened.
Earlier, on August 14, a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery had succumbed to the same infection at the same hospital.
Currently, eight more patients from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts are undergoing treatment for the disease.
Health experts say amoebic meningoencephalitis is commonly contracted through swimming or bathing in contaminated water. So far, Kerala has recorded 42 cases of the infection in 2025, sparking concern across the state.
In response, the Health Department has launched preventive measures, including chlorination of wells and water tanks in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad. Public awareness campaigns are also being carried out to curb further spread. Authorities have placed the state on high alert as cases continue to emerge.
- With inputs from agencies
