Kerala issues first ever guidelines for treatment of rare amoebic meningoencephalitis

Kerala issues first ever guidelines for treatment of rare amoebic meningoencephalitis

The Kerala health department on Sunday issued special guidelines for the treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis, marking the first such initiative in the country. This rare brain infection, caused by free-living amoeba present in contaminated waters, has claimed several lives in Kerala in recent times.

Health minister Veena George announced the release of a technical guideline aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating this condition.

Due to the limited scientific studies and reports available on this rare disease, the government decided to develop a comprehensive guideline based on existing research and observations.

To further advance the understanding of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a panel will be established in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This panel will focus on conducting additional studies and research related to the disease. Minister George has instructed both government and private hospitals to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided.

The health department's previously issued advisory said, ‘Bathing in stagnant water and diving in water should be avoided as much as possible as this disease has been reported in Kerala. Water in theme parks and swimming pools should be properly chlorinated to ensure that it is clean.’

Minister Veena George urged individuals experiencing prolonged fever or other symptoms such as shortness of breath with fever, excessive palpitation, chest pain, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, blood in sputum, or excessive fatigue to seek expert treatment.

The most recent victim of this rare brain infection in Kerala was a 14-year-old boy who passed away earlier this month, marking the fourth case reported in the state since May, with all patients being children.

According to medical experts, amoebic meningoencephalitis occurs when free-living, non-parasitic amoebae bacteria enter the body through the nose from contaminated water. The amoeba responsible for this condition, Naegleria fowleri, thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

Once the amoeba enters the body, it travels to the brain, causing a rare and often fatal infection of the brain and its surrounding tissues, known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Before the recent cases, this disease was reported in the coastal district of Alappuzha in Kerala in 2023 and 2017.