The State is planning a mass campaign across districts to create awareness on amoebic meningoencephalitis and to launch preventive measures.
This year, 41 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported in the State and there are 18 active cases at present, Health Minister Veena George said here on Monday. The State government has intensified surveillance and preventive action as cases have been reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts. All districts have been asked to stock adequate drugs for treating the infection.
At a high-level meeting chaired by her here, it was decided that the Health department would lead a mass campaign, with the help of local self-government bodies, Water Resources department and Haritha Kerala Mission, as amoebic meningoencephalitis is being reported from several districts now. The first preventive step would be the cleaning of all water resources in the State, Ms. George said. The Minister directed that all health workers take part in the campaign. As part of the preventive measures, all wells and water storage tanks in houses and institutions across the State should be cleaned and chlorinated on August 30 and 31.
Houses, hospitals, educational institutions, hostels and apartment complexes should take part in the exercise and ensure that their water storage tanks are cleaned properly.
Resorts, theme parks
Resorts, water theme parks and swimming training centres should ensure chlorination of the pools and other water sources and ensure that the chlorination levels are adequate. Strict action will be taken under the Public Health Act against those who fail to comply. All drinking water sources will be checked by health workers.
In addition, ponds and other public waterbodies will be cleaned, and channels carrying waste into them will be closed. Local bodies have been asked to remove accumulated algae and waste from ponds, lakes, and other sources. People entering waterbodies are advised to take doxycycline tablets to prevent leptospirosis.
After the Onam holidays, special drives will be held in educational institutions to train teachers and students on preventive measures against amoebic meningoencephalitis. Warning boards will be placed near ponds and waterbodies where amoeba has been detected.
Published – August 25, 2025 08:23 pm IST
