Thiruvananthapuram: With 18 patients currently under treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but often fatal brain infection, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Monday announced a statewide public campaign to safeguard water sources and prevent further spread.
The campaign, to be held on August 30–31, will involve chlorination of wells and cleaning of water tanks in homes, schools, hospitals, hostels, apartments, and other institutions. The decision came after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Key Measures Announced:
- Chlorination drive: All public and private water sources to be disinfected.
- Mandatory upkeep: Resorts, hotels, swimming pools, and water parks must ensure proper chlorination and regular water testing, failing which action will be taken under public health laws.
- Stocking medicines: Adequate medicines to be kept ready in health centres across affected districts.
- Water body cleanup: Local bodies to clean ponds, lakes, and canals, remove waste and weeds, and block channels carrying sewage into them.
Precautionary Guidelines for Public:
- Avoid swimming/diving in stagnant or untreated water sources.
- If unavoidable, use nose plugs or cover the nose to prevent water entry.
- Do not disturb mud/sediments while in natural water bodies.
- Keep the head above water when swimming.
- Ensure household tanks and reservoirs are cleaned at least once every three months.
- Avoid pouring untreated water into the nose.
- Public pools and spas must be chlorinated and maintained regularly.
- People exposed to natural water bodies are advised to take doxycycline tablets under medical supervision as a precaution against leptospirosis.
Most cases have been reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts.
Minister George stressed that community vigilance and strict water hygiene practices are crucial in containing the outbreak.
