Kerala Addresses Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Outbreak

Kerala is facing a serious outbreak of amoebic meningoencephalitis, with a total of 15 confirmed cases and five deaths reported from January to August 2024. The state's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, has been particularly affected, with seven active cases and health officials investigating the source of infection, which is suspected to be contaminated water from ponds. In response, the Kerala government has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for treatment, as there are no established national guidelines for this rare disease. Health Minister Veena George has emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and has established a medical board to oversee patient care and treatment. Additionally, a four-year-old child recently became the second person to recover from this infection in India, following prompt medical intervention. Authorities have advised residents to avoid bathing in stagnant water and seek immediate medical help if experiencing symptoms.