An expert panel has called for a comprehensive and coordinated scientific action plan to address the growing public health concern over amoebic meningoencephalitis (AME), which has claimed several lives in Kerala. As many as 161 cases of AME, including 37 deaths, have been reported in Kerala this year.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare brain infection caused by free-living amoebae in contaminated water.
The recommendation came out of a high-level brainstorming session organized by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) at Science Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.
A KSCSTE press release said the meeting was chaired by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Science MC Dathan, KSCSTE Executive Vice President KP Sudheer and Member Secretary A. Sabu and was attended by experts from various fields including clinical medicine, microbiology, public health and environmental sciences.
“Although AME has been found to be primarily spread through contaminated water sources, experts noted that the exact source of infection remains unknown,” KSCSTE said.
According to KSCSTE, the forum highlighted the need for collaborative scientific research across departments to track sources, increase diagnostic accuracy and strengthen prevention strategies.
Participants also highlighted the importance of developing a standardized testing protocol for water bodies, promoting public scientific awareness, and implementing prevention and monitoring mechanisms at the community level.
Technical sessions during the meeting discussed diagnostic issues, epidemiological patterns and environmental control measures necessary to limit the spread of AME, KSCSTE said.
The KSCSTE said the meeting suggested launching joint research projects on amoebic infections in Kerala, developing improved surveillance systems, conducting environmental assessments and using artificial intelligence and modern diagnostic technologies to improve detection and response.
A detailed report containing expert recommendations will be submitted to the health ministry for further action and policy formulation, it said.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 21:53 IST
