Kerala Records Third Fatal Case Of Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection In August

Kerala health authorities have confirmed two additional fatalities from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and typically fatal brain infection, bringing the state's death toll from this condition to three during August alone.

The latest victims include a three-month-old infant, son of Abubacker Siddique from Omassery in Kozhikode district, who succumbed to the infection on Sunday after receiving intensive medical care for one month at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The infant's condition had progressively deteriorated despite medical intervention before he passed away in the intensive care unit.

The second fatality involved 52-year-old Ramla from Kappil in Malappuram district, who initially developed symptoms on July 8. Her medical journey began at a private healthcare facility before being transferred to Kozhikode Medical College as her condition worsened. Both patients received treatment at the same medical institution where Kerala's first August victim, a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery, had died on August 14.

Medical officials report that eight additional patients from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts are currently receiving treatment for the same infection at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The concentration of cases in these specific regions has prompted targeted health interventions and enhanced surveillance measures.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis typically occurs through contact with contaminated water during swimming or bathing activities. The infectious organism enters through nasal passages and travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation that proves fatal in most cases. Kerala has documented 42 confirmed cases of this infection throughout 2025, representing a significant public health concern for state authorities.

The Kerala Health Department has responded to the outbreak by implementing comprehensive water safety measures across the affected districts. Teams have begun systematic chlorination of wells and water storage facilities in Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram regions to eliminate potential sources of contamination.

Public health campaigns are simultaneously underway to educate communities about prevention strategies and early symptom recognition. These awareness initiatives focus on proper water safety practices and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms develop following exposure to potentially contaminated water sources.

The geographic distribution of cases suggests environmental factors may be contributing to the outbreak, with health authorities investigating water sources and environmental conditions that might harbor the dangerous amoeba. The infection's rarity makes each case significant for understanding transmission patterns and developing effective prevention strategies.

Healthcare providers across Kerala have been alerted to remain vigilant for symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis, which can initially resemble other neurological conditions. Early detection and treatment remain critical factors in patient outcomes, though the infection's aggressive nature makes successful treatment challenging even with prompt medical intervention.

The state's response demonstrates the serious approach being taken to contain further spread while supporting affected families. Ongoing monitoring and preventive measures aim to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children who may be more susceptible to infection through recreational water activities in contaminated sources.