DYFI Joins Kerala’s Fight Against Brain-Eating Amoeba With Statewide Chlorination Drive

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of rising cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis across Kerala, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has announced that it will join the disease prevention efforts by helping chlorinate water bodies throughout the state. DYFI state secretary V. K. Sanoj said that youth brigades, comprising around 25,000 units, will take part in cleaning and chlorinating ponds, lakes, and other public water sources.

The Health Department has already initiated an extensive drive to disinfect water bodies as part of its public health response. DYFI's involvement will supplement these official efforts, to identify hazardous water sources and treat them on time. 

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri—a free-living amoeba commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba." It thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater environments such as poorly maintained swimming pools, lakes, and ponds, especially where muddy sediment is present. The infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nose.

Experts note that the risk of infection is significantly reduced in well-maintained and properly chlorinated water bodies. As a result, chlorination and awareness have become key strategies in the state’s public health response.

Kerala had been efficient in tackling the outbreak, becoming the first state in India to issue clinical guidelines for the treatment of PAM. A comprehensive action plan has been put in place, which includes regular chlorination, public awareness campaigns, and the installation of warning boards near water bodies.

The state has also procured the drug 'Miltefosine' from Japan to aid in treatment. Detailed public advisories have been released, instructing residents to avoid exposure to untreated water and follow strict hygiene measures.

In addition, microbiology laboratories in government medical colleges have been equipped to test for the presence of the amoeba. The State Public Health Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram has also established facilities to identify specific strains of the organism. Officials emphasise that early detection and treatment are crucial to improving patient outcomes.

DYFI has a history of active involvement in public health and humanitarian efforts across Kerala. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth organisation played a crucial role by organising community kitchens, distributing masks, sanitisers, and essential medicines, and assisting with relief logistics in both rural and urban areas. Its volunteers worked closely with local self-governments and health workers to ensure smooth vaccine drives, manage quarantine centres, and deliver food kits and essentials to isolated families.

Their contribution was equally commendable during the devastating Kerala floods in 2018 and 2019. DYFI mobilised thousands of volunteers across the state to carry out rescue operations, manage relief camps, and distribute food, clothes, and medical supplies. In flood-hit areas, the brigade helped clean homes, public spaces, and schools once the water receded, aiding in the swift restoration of normalcy.

Following the deadly landslide in Wayanad, DYFI was among the first on the ground, assisting in rescue efforts and supporting displaced families by setting up relief camps and coordinating material donations. The organisation also took part in rebuilding efforts, offering manual labour and logistical support in affected tribal and remote hill regions, contributing to the construction of 100 houses for displaced families.

Building on its legacy of grassroots engagement and emergency response, DYFI’s current involvement in efforts to prevent the spread of amoebic meningoencephalitis is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s public health response and help avert further cases of this deadly infection.