Kozhikode: A Wayanad man who was under treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis died on Saturday at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The deceased has been identified as Ratheesh (45), a native of Sulthan Bathery.

Kozhikode Medical College Principal Dr Sajeeth Kumar confirmed the death. His condition was reportedly critical. The body is currently kept at the medical college hospital.

Currently, there are 10 patients with amoebic meningoencephalitis undergoing treatment in the government medical college hospital. One patient's condition is serious.

Earlier, on Monday, two people — a three-month-old baby boy from Omassery, Kozhikode, and Ramla, a 52-year-old woman from Malappuram — succumbed to the disease. On August 14, a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery also died at the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH).

Amoebic Meningoencephalitis has been the most significant cause of concern for people across Kerala this year, with repeated cases getting reported from various districts. The disease is caused by amoebas found in stagnant water, soil, cesspools, freshwater lakes and rivers. It has two major forms. The first is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This form invades and destroys brain cells, resulting in swelling and severe damage to brain tissue. The second is Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE), which is caused by a different species of amoeba.