Kozhikode (Kerala) | A 49-year-old man undergoing treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis died at the Government Medical College Hospital here on Monday, health officials said.

The deceased was identified as Biju, an autorickshaw driver and a native of Naderi in Koyilandy.

According to Health officials, Biju was diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis, commonly known as brain fever, on July 23.

Officials said Biju's condition deteriorated on Monday and he succumbed to the infection while undergoing treatment.

Health officials said efforts were underway to ascertain how he contracted the infection.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but highly fatal infection of the central nervous system caused by free-living amoebae.

The infection is typically contracted through exposure to contaminated freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers and streams.

According to data from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Kerala, 154 cases of brain fever had been reported in the state till July 25, with 40 deaths.

With Biju's death, the toll has risen to 41.

This month alone, 13 cases have been reported.

Three patients had died before the latest fatality, taking the death toll for July to four.