In the past month, the death toll from amoebic meningoencephalitis (AM) has reached five across Kerala. The latest victim, Shobhana, a 56-year-old resident of Thiruvali near Wandoor in Malappuram, adds to the growing concern over this rare but deadly brain infection.
Geographically, the impact is not confined to Kozhikode alone, with reports of affected individuals coming from places like Thiruvali and Omassery in Kozhikode district. The victims range in age from a 56-year-old adult to a three-month-old infant, suggesting that the disease can potentially affect anyone without discrimination.
Experts and health officials have expressed alarm over the lack of coordination between departments and delays in interventions, which they believe are hindering effective containment efforts. These issues pose significant risks for both patients and the general public.
In response to these concerns, the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) has promised increased vigilance and speedier response times to suspected cases of AM. The MCH, as one of the primary healthcare providers in the region, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating this often-deadly disease.
As the investigation into the causes and spread of amoebic meningoencephalitis continues, health officials urge the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended hygiene practices, particularly during the monsoon season when such infections tend to increase.
