Fifth Death Reported in Kerala amidst Rising Amoebic meningoencephalitis cases
KOZHIKODE, kerala – A 56-year-old woman from Malappuram district has become the fifth victim of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala this month, succumbing to the rare and often fatal brain infection at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, on Monday, September 8, 2025. The death underscores a growing public health concern as cases of the infection continue to emerge across the state.
The outbreak, which began in mid-August, has prompted heightened vigilance from health officials as eleven individuals remain hospitalized at Kozhikode MCH, with at least one in critical condition. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by free-living amoebae commonly found in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers, and while rare, the infection is nearly always fatal. The recent cluster of cases in Kerala has raised alarm, prompting investigations into potential sources and increased public awareness campaigns.
The deceased has been identified as Sobhana, a resident of Thiruvali near Wandoor. She was admitted to the hospital last week and had been in critical condition since then. Ratheesh, 45, from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district, died from the infection at the same hospital on September 6, 2025.Since August 14, four previous deaths had already been attributed to the infection, bringing the total fatality count to five within a single month. Health authorities are working to identify the specific amoebae involved and to determine any common factors among the affected individuals.