Thiruvananthapuram, June 7 -- A molecular lab set up by the Kerala Health Department has diagnosed the state's first case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, causing brain fever.
Steps are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease as the new PCR lab can detect 5 types of amoebae.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the newly setup lab confirmed the acanthamoeba spp -- the opportunistic protozoa that cause various human infections, including keratitis and encephalitis. They are found in diverse environments like water, soil, and air.
Once the disease is confirmed in the state, it will pave the way for its quick treatment, significantly reducing delay, she added.
Kerala has been carrying out scientific activities for the preventi...