KOZHIKODE: The condition of two patients suffering from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection, remains extremely critical at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH). Both patients, hailing from Malappuram, are currently on ventilator support.
The hospital has reported three deaths linked to the infection in the past eight days, intensifying public concern about its severity and spread. Special medicines, including those procured from abroad, are being administered to patients under treatment.
At present, eight people, including two children, are admitted with the infection at Kozhikode MCH. Across Kerala, the disease has already claimed four lives this year. Victims include a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery who died on August 14, and two patients who passed away on September 1. On September 3, 45-year-old Ratheesh from Wayanad also succumbed to the illness.
So far, 43 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported in the state in 2024. Alarmingly, only one patient has recovered. The survivor, a 17-year-old boy, was treated for a dual infection of amoebic meningoencephalitis and Aspergillus flavus.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as cases rise. The rare but deadly infection, caused by brain-eating amoeba, highlights the urgent need for early detection, advanced treatment, and public awareness.