Tragic Death from Brain-Eating Amoeba Pushes Kerala Toll to 5 in a Month
In a heartbreaking development, a 56-year-old woman from Malappuram district in Kerala has died from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, the rare and deadly brain infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba. Health officials in Kozhikode confirmed the news on Monday, raising alarms across the state as this marks the fifth such fatality in just one month.
The victim, M Shobhana from Wandoor in Malappuram, fell critically ill and slipped into unconsciousness after doctors admitted her to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (KMCH) last Thursday. Local reports say she showed classic symptoms of the infection, which worsened quickly despite round-the-clock treatment. Shobhana joins a growing list of victims, including a 45-year-old man named Rathesh from nearby Wayanad district, who passed away at the same hospital just last week after battling the condition for over seven days.
Kerala’s health department reports that the brain-eating amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri, has claimed five lives in the past month alone. Among them are a three-month-old infant and a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery in Kozhikode district. This year, the infection has hit hard in districts like Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad, with a total of 42 confirmed cases so far.
The brain-eating amoeba thrives in warm freshwater sources like lakes, rivers, and ponds. It sneaks into the body through the nose during activities like swimming or bathing in untreated water, then races to the brain, triggering primary amoebic meningoencephalitis—a fast-moving central nervous system infection that’s often fatal if not caught early.
Worried about the spike in cases, especially in northern Kerala, the state health department has swung into action. They’ve activated the State Public Health Act to ramp up prevention efforts. Right now, teams are running a massive statewide water purification drive, asking local bodies to thoroughly clean wells, water tanks, and other public water sources. In the hardest-hit areas, authorities have banned swimming or any contact with stagnant or untreated water to stop the spread.
Health experts are urging everyone to stay vigilant. If you’ve been exposed to freshwater and start feeling fever, intense headaches, vomiting, or stiffness in the neck, head to a doctor immediately—early diagnosis can make all the difference in fighting this rare but dangerous amoebic encephalitis. As Kerala battles this outbreak, simple steps like avoiding risky water activities could save lives. Stay safe and informed!
