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Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water sources such as ponds, lakes, and poorly maintained swimming pools.
A second case of deadly amoebic meningoencephalitis has been reported in Kozhikode, concerning health authorities. The 19-year-old patient is receiving treatment, and public awareness campaigns are prioritised.
Preventive measures are being considered by the Health Department following this and previous fatal cases of the infection in the district.
Acanthamoeba, found in freshwater and soil, causes amoebic meningoencephalitis; it enters the body via the eyes, nose, or wounds, even without swimming.
If the patient has recently bathed or swam in a pond or similar water body, this information must also be shared with the doctor, informed Palakkad District Medical Officer Dr T V Rosh.
The latest victim is Sachidanandan (72), a resident of Puthiyangadi, Kozhikode.
The deaths due to brain-eating amoeba have gone up from 9 to 47 between 2024 and 2025.
The deceased, Sarasu, was a native of Choorakkad Vayal, Thurayur, Payyoli.
She was under treatment for the past 40 days.
The brainstorming session was organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) at Science Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The woman, who stays at a hostel in Kochi, was admitted to the hospital with a fever and headache.
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