THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has directed that tests to diagnose amoebic meningoencephalitis should also be conducted in those suspected of encephalitis. The decision has been taken in the wake of more and more confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the state.

Between 60 and 70 per cent of the world's Encephalitis cases are not diagnosed. It was in this context that such a decision was taken by the State Level Rapid Response Team (RRT). Even if the number of cases increases, many lives can be saved through effective treatment. Accordingly, the minister also directed to ensure the availability of medicines, including miltefosine, for the treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis. The directive was given at a state RRT meeting chaired by the minister.

Kerala has proved that amoebic meningoencephalitis can be treated and cured if detected early. Recently, 10 people who were undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College were cured of the disease. So many people have been cured because they were diagnosed accurately in the first place and given effective treatment by taking medicines including miltafosin. It has a mortality rate of 97 per cent globally. However, the mortality rate in Kerala was reduced to 26 per cent. The minister also said that the health department is taking strong measures to prevent amoebic meningoencephalitis.