THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the number of amoebic meningoencephalitis cases continues to rise, an analysis of recent cases has found that individuals with comorbidities or weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to the disease.
The mortality rate is also highest among this group, according to the health department’s analysis. The victims include those already battling conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and more.
The state has reported 70 cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis and 19 deaths. This month alone, there have been 23 new cases and nine deaths.
“Amoeba is omnipresent. It attacks when we are weak. Most of the victims have some kind of comorbidity,” said a health department official. The official also mentioned that the department will conduct a detailed analysis of the deaths.
According to the official, starting treatment immediately after detecting the presence of the amoeba in samples under the microscope has led to better outcomes.
“If we see trophozoites (the motile stage of the amoeba), we begin treatment right away, even if the PCR test is negative,” said the officer. The state became the first in the country to develop a treatment protocol for Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in July 2024. This protocol was later updated in November using a One Health approach.
