Contamination of domestic water sources may be driving amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala
Kerala is facing a public health crisis due to increased faecal contamination of water sources, leading to a rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases. As of May 23, there have been 121 reported cases and 30 deaths attributed to this infection, primarily linked to contaminated domestic water. Health officials emphasize the need for improved water quality surveillance and adherence to chlorination guidelines to mitigate risks.
- ▪Amoebic meningoencephalitis has become the leading cause of infection-related deaths in Kerala, with 121 cases and 30 fatalities reported.
- ▪Environmental pollution and rising temperatures are contributing to the persistence of free-living amoeba in water sources.
- ▪Over 70% of open wells in Kerala have been found to contain high levels of faecal contamination, posing significant health risks.
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Increased faecal contamination of ground water sources and widespread environmental pollution of waterbodies is emerging as one of the significant public health problems that the State will have to prioritise as multiple cases and deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis are being reported across all districts in Kerala.Amoebic meningoencephalitis has emerged as the single infection claiming the highest number of lives in the State, with 121 cases and 30 deaths reported as of May 23 this year.Clinical, microbiological and environmental investigations in the State have increasingly pointed to contaminated domestic water sources , especially household wells, storage tanks, and surface ponds, as the likely source of exposure.Environmental driversSeveral environmental drivers such as the…
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