A 49-year-old man from Naderi in Koyilandy municipality has been diagnosed with Amoebic Meningoencephalitis and remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
Health authorities have launched an extensive investigation to trace the source of the infection. Preliminary inquiries found that the patient had neither travelled outside his locality nor recently swum or bathed in natural water bodies, which are commonly linked to Naegleria fowleri infections. Officials are now examining other possible sources of exposure.
Gold 101.3FM, the UAE’s No. 1 radio station, reports that water samples have been collected from the patient’s household well for laboratory testing, while chlorination has been carried out around his residence. Health teams have also intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns in the area.
The latest case has renewed concerns in Kozhikode, which has reported several Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases over the past two years. A 19-year-old from Feroke was diagnosed with the infection in May this year, while another case was reported from Kottur panchayat. Last August, a Class IV student from Thamarassery died after contracting the disease, prompting the Health Department to strengthen monitoring and preventive measures across the district.
Authorities continue to advise the public to avoid swimming or diving in untreated freshwater bodies and to take precautions during water-related activities.
Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, or Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is a rare but almost always fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The organism is typically found in warm freshwater bodies and poorly chlorinated water. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters through the nose, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain. Early symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, before rapidly progressing to confusion, seizures and coma.
