Kerala Steps Up Efforts Against Amoebic Brain Fever Amid Rising Cases

The Kerala government will conduct tests for amoebic brain fever in suspected meningitis cases due to rising instances. Health Minister Veena George directed immediate testing and treatment availability. Despite a global mortality rate of 97%, Kerala has reduced it to 26%, thanks to early detection and effective treatment.

The Kerala government announced plans on Monday to ramp up tests to diagnose amoebic brain fever in individuals suspected of having symptoms of meningitis, amid a rising number of confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis.

The decision was reached during a meeting of the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaired by Health Minister Veena George. George directed immediate testing for amoebic brain fever and ensured the availability of medications, including Miltefosine.

Despite the global mortality rate for the disease standing at 97%, Kerala has reduced this rate to 26% through early diagnosis and timely treatment. Recently, 10 patients treated at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College were discharged healthily due to these measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)