Amoebic meningoencephalitis has a mortality rate of 97 per cent. Ambiguity still looms over the source of the disease and how it affects a person. This has unsurprisingly amplified the concerns over the deadly brain-eating disease in the state. Although 144 people have been diagnosed with the disease in the state, only 30 have died. This means that the mortality rate has been kept below 25 per cent, and it is a solace no less. Even those who did not bathe in stagnant water have contracted the disease. Those who bathed at home and did not travel to distant places also fell ill from contracting the disease. Even those who had been bedridden for years became victims of the disease.

Authorities are warning people to be careful when using water from wells and water tanks that have not been treated for years. This disease occurs when impure water enters the nose. Therefore, it is important to take special care when washing your face, whether at home or in a hotel. The water authority's purification systems should also be subjected to a proper audit. The contaminated water can mix with the pure source through leak or drainage systems. Therefore, it is high time the authorities intervene and instruct workers to spread awareness and build a bulwark against the disease. It is imperative to completely avoid throwing waste into drains, ponds, and water bodies. Strong action should be taken against those who commit this act despite the warning.

In some places where people have been diagnosed with the disease, the presence of coliform bacteria in the water was found to be very high. Similarly, local bodies should emphasise the need for clear standards to be followed regarding septic tanks in homes without drainage facilities. Water containing amoeba can enter the blood and reach the brain not only through the nose but also through wounds on the body. It is also pertinent to study more about the disease and research further to develop a possible resistance.

The hospitals in our public health sector are sadly not giving the required consideration to research. This practice needs to end. The government should be prepared to formulate a new health policy that gives equal importance to research in major government hospitals, along with treatment. It should also be noted that foreign assistance is mostly received for treatment research that emphasises disease prevention.

Despite being late, it is appreciable that the health department has dropped the drudgery to initiate a study into the cause of the deadly brain-eating disease. But since it is an environment-related disease, there should have been the presence of an environmental expert in the team, but alas. Environmental experts should be in included in the team to study various aspects of the spread and causes of the disease.