Kozhikode: A 9-year-old girl, Anaya Sanoop, from Thamarassery in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, tragically passed away on Thursday (August 14, 2025) due to a rare and deadly brain infection known as amoebic meningoencephalitis. The infection was confirmed through tests conducted at the microbiology laboratory of Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. This marks the fourth case of this disease in the district this year, prompting the local health department to issue a public advisory.read also: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Returns to India, Celebrated for Advancing Science and Defense..!
Anaya, the daughter of Sanoop from Anappara Poyil in Thamarassery, was a fourth-grade student at Korangad LP School. She was admitted to Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on August 13 after suffering from fever and vomiting. However, her health deteriorated rapidly, and she was transferred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Thursday morning. Tragically, she passed away before reaching the hospital. Her family has accused the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital of negligence in providing proper treatment.read also: Notice Issued to Channagiri MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga: DK Shivakumar
Amoebic meningoencephalitis, the deadly infection in question, is caused by the free-living amoeba ‘Naegleria fowleri,’ commonly found in contaminated water bodies. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, reaches the brain, and causes severe inflammation and damage to brain tissue. Investigations suggest that Anaya had gone swimming in a stagnant pond near her home in Anappoyil about a week ago. The health department has sent water samples from the pond for testing, and saliva samples from her two brothers and a classmate—who are also suffering from fever—have been collected for analysis. read also: Rahul Gandhi Launches 'Voter Empowerment Yatra' in Bihar to Address Electoral Issues..!
The tap water used at home is also being tested. Following the incident, the health department has issued an advisory urging people to avoid bathing in ponds, streams, rivers, and other water bodies within the Thamarassery panchayat area. Due to the potential presence of amoebas in the pond water, the department has intensified inspections of water bodies in the region. Given the disease’s mortality rate, which exceeds 97%, urgent measures are being taken to safeguard public health. NOBERO Men's Cotton Solid Regular Fit Polo Shirt
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but almost always fatal condition. It typically enters the body through the nose while swimming, bathing, or diving in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, and rivers. Symptoms appear within 1-12 days and include headaches, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, changes in taste or smell, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, loss of balance, and coma. Death usually occurs within one to two weeks from the onset of symptoms. Anaya’s family has alleged negligence by the doctors at Thamarassery Taluk Hospital, but health department officials have clarified that the disease’s severity and rapid progression limited the possibility of effective treatment. read also:10 Out of 101 SC Castes Dominate Government Jobs in the State: Justice Nagamohan Das Report