Will water cannons during protests raise Amoebic Encephalitis risk? Know more

Palakkad: The deployment of water cannons by police during protests has raised concerns amid the growing threat of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in the state. Health experts warn that water used in such operations may increase the risk of infection. When water is pumped at high pressure, the likelihood of inhalation rises. The health department has already issued an advisory against nasal exposure to untreated water, even during bathing.

Water cannons are a common measure during protests in the state and are often used as a preliminary tactic to prevent potential baton charges. Protesters frequently huddle together to shield themselves from the jets, allowing water to enter their nasal passages more easily. The cannons are often filled with water sourced from ponds and wells near police camps, and there is cause for concern if this water is not sanitised. Besides the protesters,  police personnel deployed at protest sites also get drenched in the process.

In light of the disease threat, the government has issued directives to sanitise ponds and wells across the state, including swimming pools. Continued use of water cannons, however, remains a matter of concern in this context.

 Health department urges vigilance
The health department has issued an alert in areas where two individuals have been diagnosed with Amoebic Meningoencephalitis. One individual each from Ongalloor in Pattambi and Nenmara has been reported to have contracted this disease. However, the district health department is yet to confirm these infections officially.

The patient from Ongalloor is currently admitted to Kozhikode Medical College, while the patient from Nenmara is receiving treatment in Thiruvananthapuram. Although the patient from Ongalloor had bathed in a local pond, the exact source of infection remains unconfirmed. The individual had also recently travelled to Wayanad.

An online meeting convened by the district health department, attended by officials including the health inspector, reviewed the situation. An awareness session for local residents is scheduled in the coming days. The patient’s residence and surrounding premises have been chlorinated and cleaned. Residents will be advised to avoid stagnant water and remain vigilant.

Chlorination of water bodies to continue
The second phase of the ‘Jalamaanu Jeevan (Water is Life)’ campaign, organised by local bodies in collaboration with various departments, has been launched in schools. The initiative aims to educate students about Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, and this phase will continue until the end of the month. In the initial phase, water sources across the district were chlorinated. The third phase will commence on October 1, focusing on chlorination and cleaning of public ponds, canals, wells and other water bodies.