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Key Points

A 59-year-old man has died from amoebic encephalitis in Kerala's Kozhikode district. This brings the state's death toll from this rare brain infection to 18 cases in 2025 alone. Health officials report that 66 total cases have been confirmed this year with a concerning spike in September. The disease is contracted through contaminated water and has an extremely high mortality rate exceeding 97%.

Key Points: Kerala Amoebic Encephalitis Death Kozhikode 59-Year-Old Man Dies

  • 59-year-old man from Chavakkad dies at Kozhikode Medical College
  • 66 total cases reported in Kerala during 2025
  • Disease has over 97% mortality rate and is not contagious
  • Infection typically contracted through swimming in stagnant water
  • 11 patients currently undergoing treatment across Kozhikode hospitals
2 min read

59-year-old man dies due to amoebic encephalitis in Kerala's Kozhikode

A 59-year-old man dies from amoebic encephalitis in Kozhikode, bringing Kerala's 2025 death toll to 18. Health officials confirm 66 cases reported this year.

"18 people have died of amoebic encephalitis in the state this year - Health Department"

Kozhikode, September 19

Another death due to amoebic encephalitis has been reported in the state.

A 59-year-old man from Chavakkad, who was undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College, passed away.

Health officials confirmed that he had been diagnosed with amoebic encephalitis. The patient was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday.

Currently, 11 people are under treatment in Kozhikode district, three children at the Maternal and Child Health Centre, seven patients at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, and one patient at a private hospital.

According to the Health Department, 18 people have died of amoebic encephalitis in the state this year. So far, 66 cases have been reported in 2025. Of the 19 cases detected this month, seven patients have succumbed to the disease.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis (or amoebic meningitis) occurs when pathogens from the amoeba genus -- Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Sapinia, Balamuthia, and Vermamoeba -- infect the brain. The infection is usually contracted while diving or swimming in stagnant water. The amoebae can enter the brain through the thin membrane separating the nose and brain or through perforations in the eardrum.

The disease carries a mortality rate of more than 97 per cent. It is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms typically appear within five to ten days of infection.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the family. 97% mortality rate is terrifying! People need to be more careful about swimming in ponds and stagnant water during monsoon season.
M
Michael C
Why isn't there more public awareness about this? The health department should run campaigns in regional languages warning people about the dangers of contaminated water.
S
Sneha F
This is so sad. 18 deaths this year alone! The government should invest in better water treatment facilities and regular testing of public water bodies.
A
Arjun K
While the government must act, we as citizens also need to be responsible. Avoid swimming in stagnant water and teach children about water safety. Prevention is better than cure 🙏
V
Vikram M
The medical community needs to focus on early detection methods. With symptoms appearing only after 5-10 days, early diagnosis could save lives. More research funding required!

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