100 cases, 20 deaths: Amoebic fever claims more lives than leptospirosis in Kerala

Alappuzha: Amoebic meningoencephalitis is emerging as a major public health concern in Kerala, with the disease recording 20 deaths in the state so far this year.

The rising toll has now surpassed deaths caused by leptospirosis, which has claimed 12 lives till now. In previous years, diseases such as leptospirosis and dengue fever accounted for higher fatalities in the state.

Health Department figures show 100 confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis were reported in Kerala till May 5 this year. Four cases and three deaths have been recorded this month alone.

Alappuzha reports fresh deaths

Of the three deaths reported this month, two were from Alappuzha district. The victims were from Neerkunnam and Thazhakara.

Four people have been confirmed with the infection in recent days, but health authorities have not yet identified the source of transmission in these cases.

The Health Department had earlier warned that summer conditions could lead to a rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases.

Sharp contrast with last year’s disease pattern

The latest figures mark a notable shift in Kerala’s disease pattern. Last year, leptospirosis caused 223 deaths in the state, compared to 47 deaths linked to amoebic meningoencephalitis.

This year, however, amoebic meningoencephalitis has recorded a higher death toll than leptospirosis within the first months of the year, raising fresh concern over the spread of the infection.