Kozhikode, Kerala - In a tragic development, two individuals, one of whom was a three-month-old infant, have succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis. This rare but often fatal brain infection claimed their lives while they were receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, health officials confirmed on Monday.
These deaths have increased the toll from this deadly brain fever to three within the month of August in Kerala, according to the officials.
The infant, who tragically passed away, was the son of Abubacker Siddique from Omassery in the district. He had been under treatment at the hospital for a month, with his condition worsening by Sunday, leading to his demise in the ICU.
The other victim, identified as Ramla, aged 52, hailed from Kappil in Malappuram district. She developed symptoms on July 8 and was initially treated at a private hospital. But as her condition deteriorated, she was shifted to Kozhikode Medical College.
Health officials have reported that eight more patients from the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad are currently being treated at the hospital.
Earlier, on August 14, the hospital witnessed the unfortunate passing of a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery due to the same infection.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is primarily contracted through exposure to contaminated water during activities such as swimming or bathing, explained health officials. So far this year, Kerala has documented a total of 42 cases.
In response to the recurring incidents, the Health Department has begun chlorination measures for wells and water storage tanks in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts.
The department has also launched awareness campaigns aimed at preventing further cases, an official added.
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