Kerala’s Kasaragod reports fresh amoebic brain infection case; 18-year-old in critical condition

Authorities have advised everyone who bathed in the pond during the past week to report to the nearest health centre for medical evaluation. Kasaragod district in Kerala has reported another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis (amoebic brain infection), with an 18-year-old testing positive for the rare but life-threatening disease. The teenager is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Mangaluru. The infection was confirmed through laboratory tests conducted on Monday (July 27, 2026).According to preliminary information, the teen had bathed, along with his friends, in a pond located along the Kanhangad-Panathur State highway about a week ago. He developed health complications soon afterwards, and subsequent tests confirmed the infection.Following the disease confirmation, the Health department and the police issued a public warning directing people not to bathe in the pond until further notice. Authorities have also advised everyone who bathed in the pond during the past week to report to the nearest health centre for medical evaluation.The pond is a popular bathing spot for local residents, school students and youth. Residents said many travellers also stop along the State highway to bathe there, raising concerns that more people could have been exposed.The Health department has intensified surveillance to identify anyone who may have developed symptoms after entering the pond. People experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, or seizures have been advised to seek immediate medical attention.The Health department and the police have also begun joint measures to install warning boards around the pond and create public awareness about the risk. The department is conducting a detailed investigation to identify the source of the infection. Published - July 28, 2026 02:55 pm IST