Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health Department, in collaboration with the ICMR–National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai, has launched a field-level study to identify the causes behind the recent surge in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases in the state.

The rare and often fatal brain infection has claimed several lives in Kerala over the past few months. The disease is usually contracted by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Study begins in four districts

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the study has commenced in Kozhikode and will extend to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Malappuram districts.

The initiative follows a technical workshop held in August 2024, where experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Pollution Control Board planned detailed research on the disease. The ongoing study is a continuation of that effort.

Kerala strengthens prevention and treatment

Health Minister Veena George said that Kerala has implemented strong measures for both treatment and prevention.

“Effective interventions have been put in place to ensure early diagnosis and specialised treatment,” she said.

Although amoebic meningoencephalitis has a global fatality rate of 99 per cent, the minister noted that Kerala’s medical interventions have reduced the state’s death rate to 24 per cent.

The Health Department has instructed that all suspected encephalitis cases be tested for amoebic infection.

National protocol and advanced detection

A national-level workshop — the first of its kind in India — was organised to develop a dedicated protocol for diagnosing and managing amoebic encephalitis. “These initiatives have helped in early detection and successful treatment of many patients,” the official statement added.

Kerala’s laboratories are now capable of identifying five species of pathogenic amoebae, while most other laboratories in India can detect only three.

Government intensifies control measures

State-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) meetings, chaired by Health Minister Veena George, continue to review and strengthen preventive measures. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also chaired meetings to further intensify disease control efforts.

To combat water-borne infections, the state government launched the ‘Jalamanu Jeevan’ (Water is Life) campaign. The initiative is jointly organised by the Health, Local Self-Government, and General Education Departments, the Haritha Keralam Mission, and the Water Resources Department.

The Health Department has additionally issued special treatment guidelines for cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by free-living amoebae found in contaminated water.