Kozhikode, Kerala: In a concerning development, Kerala has reported its fourth case of amoebic meningoencephalitis since May. This rare and deadly brain infection, caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters, has struck again in the northern district of Kozhikode.



The latest victim is a 14-year-old boy from Payyoli, currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Sources within the medical facility report that the patient was admitted on July 1, and his condition is showing signs of improvement. A doctor involved in the case stated that swift identification of the infection allowed for immediate treatment, including the use of specialized medications sourced from overseas.


This new case follows a string of tragic outcomes. Just days earlier, another 14-year-old boy in Kozhikode succumbed to the same infection. In the preceding months, two other young lives were lost: a 5-year-old girl from Malappuram on May 21, and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur on June 25.


The alarming trend has prompted action from the highest levels of government. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting to address the crisis, resulting in a set of preventive guidelines. These include warnings against bathing in unsanitary water bodies, emphasizing the importance of properly chlorinated swimming pools, and urging extra caution for children when engaging with water sources.


Medical experts explain that the infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nasal passage from contaminated water. To combat this, the use of swimming nose clips has been recommended as a preventive measure.


This is not Kerala's first encounter with the deadly amoeba. Previous cases were documented in the coastal district of Alappuzha in 2023 and 2017, indicating a recurring threat to public health in the region.


As Kerala grapples with this rare but dangerous infection, authorities are stressing the importance of maintaining clean water bodies and practicing safe water-related activities. The chief minister has called for collective efforts to ensure the cleanliness of water sources, highlighting the critical role of community action in preventing further cases.


With all four recent cases affecting children, there's a growing emphasis on protecting the youngest members of society from this invisible menace lurking in contaminated waters.