Alarm grew in Kozhikode as yet another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis (amoebic brain fever) was confirmed, this time in the 7-year-old brother of the nine-year-old Thamarassery girl who recently lost her life to the rare and deadly infection.
The boy, who developed fever and related symptoms, tested positive today and was immediately admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Doctors confirmed that treatment has begun and described his condition as stable and satisfactory.
Authorities revealed that the child had bathed in a pond near his home, suspected to be the source of the infection. With this, the total number of patients undergoing treatment for amoebic brain fever at Kozhikode Medical College has risen to four.
Just a day earlier, an 11-year-old girl from Chenakkalangadi, Malappuram was also diagnosed with the disease, with health officials now tracing the water sources she was exposed to.
Currently, a 3-month-old infant from Omassery remains in critical condition, while a 49-year-old man from Annassery is also under treatment. In response, the Community Medicine Department of Kozhikode Medical College has carried out inspections at the home and neighborhood of Anaya, the 9-year-old victim whose death triggered heightened surveillance and public concern.
