Thiruvananthapuram, Aug. 26 -- In the wake of increasing reports of cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested local self-government authorities to strengthen preventive measures. Eighteen active cases have been reported from the state.

Cases have been reported in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts. A total of 41 cases were reported this year.

The state government has decided to launch the "Water is life" ( Jalamaan Jeevan) campaign to prevent water-borne diseases. This program involves the Health Department, Local Self-Government Department, General Education Department, Haritha Keralam Mission, etc.

The "Water is Life" campaign was launched under ...