Malappuram: A day after Kerala reported its sixth death due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a 10-year-old girl from Areekode in Malappuram tested positive for the deadly infection. She is currently undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

The child, who fell ill after bathing in a swimming pool two weeks ago, was first admitted to Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital before being shifted to Kozhikode.

At present, a total of 11 patients are undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College after testing positive for the brain-eating amoeba. Meanwhile, a native of Ramanattukkara who also tested positive is admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode.

The Health Department in Malappuram has sounded a high alert in the district following the rising number of cases.

The district reported its first fatality on August 31, when Ramlath (52), a resident of Cherur Kaappil in Vengara, died after one and a half months of treatment. She had developed symptoms in early July and was admitted to multiple hospitals before being shifted to Kozhikode Medical College, where the disease was confirmed. Though her condition briefly improved, her health deteriorated again, leading to her death at the end of August.

The latest victim, Shaji (47), a native of Chelambra in Malappuram, succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment. He was admitted to the medical college in a critical condition on August 9. The source of his infection has not yet been identified.