Kerala Issues Special Guidelines for Rare Brain Infection

The Kerala Health Department has released special guidelines for treating amoebic meningoencephalitis, a fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoeba in contaminated waters. The issuance follows multiple deaths in the state, including children. Health Minister Veena George highlighted the lack of scientific research and the collaboration with ICMR for further studies.

For the first time in the country, the Kerala Health Department has issued special guidelines for the treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters. This infection has recently claimed multiple lives in the state.

On Sunday, Health Minister Veena George announced the release of a technical guideline focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis. She noted the scarcity of scientific studies on this rare disease, which prompted the government to create a comprehensive guideline based on existing research and observations.

An appointed panel, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), will undertake further study and research on the disease. The minister emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to these guidelines in both government and private hospitals.

This action follows the recent death of a 14-year-old boy from the infection, marking the fourth case reported in Kerala since May. All patients affected were children. Medical experts have indicated that the infection occurs when free-living, non-parasitic amoebae bacteria from contaminated water enter the body through the nose.

(With inputs from agencies.)