NEW DELHI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A 45-year-old man died Saturday due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), commonly known as brain fever, in the southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said.

The man succumbed while undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode district.

According to a health official, the man was admitted to the hospital with fever and other symptoms 20 days ago, and the diagnosis was confirmed following tests.

This is the fourth death in less than a month in the state due to the rare but deadly infection affecting the brain.

In August, three patients died at the hospital after contracting the infection.

Reports said at present 11 people are undergoing treatment for the disease at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, and the condition of a few is reported to be critical.

A total of 42 cases have been reported across Kerala this year.

PAM is a rare but highly fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoebae found in contaminated water.

Meanwhile, the local government has launched a campaign to clean and chlorinate public wells and water sources. ■