Kerala has reported yet another fatality due to amoebic encephalitis, raising concerns over the mysterious outbreak that has now claimed seven lives in just two months. The latest victim, 59-year-old Raheem from Chavakkad in Thrissur, was admitted to Kozhikode Beach Hospital after being found unconscious on a roadside. He was later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed the presence of the brain-eating amoeba through laboratory tests. Despite intensive care and treatment, Raheem’s condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to the infection on Friday, September 19.

The deadly infection, caused by an amoeba that attacks the brain, has spread alarm across Kerala, particularly in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Among the seven victims so far are two children, while nine other patients are still receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Another patient is under care at a private hospital in the city. Though doctors are working around the clock, the source of the infection remains unknown, making containment efforts more challenging. In some cases, the infection has been linked to exposure to contaminated water, raising fears of a broader public health risk.

In response to the alarming rise in cases, the Kerala government has launched preventive measures, including chlorination and cleaning of public water bodies. Youth organizations and cultural groups have stepped in to assist with awareness campaigns, urging residents to avoid unsafe water sources. While one child from Chelari, Malappuram, recently recovered and tested negative, health officials continue to warn of the dangers posed by the amoeba. With the death toll climbing, authorities are now under pressure to intensify monitoring and research efforts to identify the exact source and prevent further spread of this rare but deadly disease.