Eight out of 17 infected people die in 20 days, 41 deaths in 11 months: Amoebic Meningoencephalitis continues to create concern

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 41 people have died in Kerala due to Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in the last 11 months. 170 people were infected during this period. Eight of the 17 infected people died this month. Thiruvananthapuram native K.V. Vinaya (26) is the latest victim.

The study launched by the Health Department to find the source of the deaths caused by Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is progressing as the state has been gripped by a spate of deaths. Health experts have not yet suggested any specific preventive measures. Although it is said that the disease is caused by water and that people should not bathe in waterbodies, there is no clear answer as to how bedridden patients who have been weakened for years contracted the disease and died.

The study, conducted by the Health Department and experts from the ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai, did not involve environmental experts, so there is an allegation that environmental aspects will not be part of the study. The study is centred on Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram medical colleges. The leadership is provided by people from the community medicine and public health departments. Health workers estimate that it will take at least six months to complete the study.

Danger if not recognised!

👉Sudden high fever.

👉Severe headache, vomiting.

👉Drowsiness

Do not take lightly

Do not self-medicate. Wasting the day taking fever medicine will put the patient in danger every hour. Prompt treatment is the only way to survive.