30-04-2025
Health department announces a one-health protocol for early detection of Amoebic meningoencephalitis
The Health department has devised a 'one-health' protocol to prevent amoebic meningoencephalitis, a deadly brain infection with a high mortality rate caused by a single-celled organism that thrives in untreated water, including bathing water bodies.
According to Health department statistics, the brain infection had caused eight deaths and 38 cases in 2024. So far this year, the health authorities have reported 12 cases and eight deaths due to Amoebic meningoencephalitis. Those infected were mainly school children frolicking in stagnant and muddied waterbodies during summer when pond water levels receded.
However, the government said early detection could save lives, though the death rate for Amoebic meningoencephalitis was 97%, according to WHO statistics. Given its public health vigil, prevention measures, and early detection, the death rate for the disease in Kerala was 25%. The government said the Amoebic meningoencephalitis infections peak during summer when amoebic activity increases as water levels decrease.
Routine cleaning
Residents should ensure that water tanks are routinely cleaned of sediment and other organic pollutants, and authorities should ensure that amusement park swimming pools and waterbodies are chlorinated.
Health Minister Veena George stated that the action plan emphasises disease prevention, early detection, active case surveillance, specialised care, hotspot mapping, and administering the latest drugs and state-of-the-art treatment protocols.
Ms. George said the government had instructed hospitals, including those in the private sector, to test patients arriving with fever and other symptoms for the disease.
The government has also launched an awareness campaign, especially for children enjoying their summer vacation outings, encouraging them to take pre-emptive steps before dipping in ponds and pools.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis has symptoms that are common with other infections. They include severe headache, fever, retching, vomiting, and difficulty with neck movements.
Apex body
The government has notified the State Public Health Laboratory as the apex body for disease detection. The microbiology departments of Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical College Hospitals will assist the State in its disease control effort.
The State has roped in the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and the Kerala University's Science and Technology department to prevent Amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The government has also published an online treatment protocol and ensured the availability of the latest drugs through the State's medical supplies corporation.
