Amoebic meningoencephalitis: Health Dept to issue special guidelines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that the Health Department would issue special guidelines for the state in connection with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The minister also gave instructions to strengthen awareness in the state.

'The amoeba enters the human body through the rare holes in the thin layer that separates the nose and brain or through the holes in the eardrum. Children who have infection in the ear should not take bath in ponds or stagnated water. Those who experience any symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately,' the minister said in a statement.

'People should exercise caution against amoebic meningoencephalitis. Everyone should refrain from taking baths in stagnant water and diving in water as much as possible,' the minister added.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by brain-eating amoeba. This amoeba is found in stagnant water bodies. It is a rare disease affecting only one in ten thousand. The amoeba, which lives freely in water, enters the body through the nose or when bathing in a pool or other. The symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, vomiting, seizures and changes in personality or behaviour.