Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Australia Approves First-Ever Chlamydia Vaccine For Koalas

Australia has taken a bold step in wildlife conservation by approving the world’s first vaccine designed to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that has devastated populations of the beloved marsupials. For decades, scientists, conservationists, and veterinarians have watched helplessly as this bacterial infection caused blindness, infertility, urinary tract disease, and premature death among koalas. Now, researchers believe this vaccine could change the trajectory of the species’ survival.

<span>Chlamydia in koalas</span> is not the same as the common sexually transmitted infection in humans, though both are caused by the same bacterial family. In koalas, the disease spreads primarily through mating and can also be passed from mother to joey during birth. Unlike humans, koalas cannot easily access treatment, and wild populations are particularly vulnerable. The effects are devastating:

<ul><li>Infertility that prevents population recovery.</li><li>Severe urinary tract infections leading to dehydration.</li><li>Blindness that leaves koalas unable to climb trees or find food.</li></ul>

In Queensland and New South Wales, two of the hardest-hit states, infection rates in wild populations average around 50 percent and sometimes climb as high as 70 percent. Researchers estimate that chlamydia is responsible for nearly half of all koala deaths in the wild.

“Some individual colonies are edging closer to local extinction every day,” said Peter Timms, professor of microbiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, who has spent over a decade developing the vaccine.

The newly approved vaccine is the result of more than 15 years of research led by Timms and fellow microbiologist Samuel Phillips. Their team at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Centre for Bioinnovation focused on creating a single-dose vaccine that would not only protect healthy animals but also help those already infected.

The formulation targets three specific chlamydia proteins and combines them with an adjuvant to stimulate the immune system. Importantly, it offers what scientists describe as “three levels of protection”:

<ul><li>Reducing the risk of initial infection.</li><li>Preventing disease progression in infected animals.</li><li>Reversing existing symptoms in some cases.</li></ul>

This means the vaccine doesn’t just stop the spread; it actively helps infected koalas recover.

The vaccine’s approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is a global milestone. While vaccines against chlamydia exist in experimental phases for livestock and humans, this is the first time a chlamydia vaccine has been officially approved for widespread use in any species.

Trials over several years involved both wild and captive koalas. Results published in 2023 showed that vaccinated koalas had significantly lower risks of developing clinical symptoms during breeding age and that mortality from chlamydia decreased by at least 65 percent in wild populations.

“Knowing that we don’t have to catch the koalas multiple times and bring them back for booster doses makes this a game-changer,” Phillips explained. “The single-dose design reduces stress on the animals and makes rollout far more practical.”

Currently, about 500 doses are being prepared for distribution, but researchers estimate wildlife hospitals and conservation programs will need 1,000 to 2,000 doses each year. Demand is already overwhelming. “We’ve been getting calls from wildlife hospitals asking for the vaccine before production has even scaled up,” Phillips noted.

The Australian government has supported the development with A$749,000 from its A$76 million national fund to save koalas. Most of the fund is directed toward habitat restoration and monitoring, but scientists stress that addressing disease is just as urgent for long-term survival.

Koalas were officially listed as endangered in 2022 in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. National monitoring estimates suggest only 95,000 to 238,000 koalas remain in these regions. In Victoria and South Australia, populations are somewhat stronger, estimated between 129,000 and 286,000. However, overall numbers have dropped by more than half in the past two decades due to a deadly combination of factors:

Disease: Chlamydia being the single largest driver.

Habitat loss: Expanding urbanization and deforestation.

Climate change: Rising temperatures and drought weakening eucalyptus forests, the koala’s sole food source.

Bushfires: The catastrophic 2019–2020 fires killed or displaced thousands of koalas.

Conservation groups like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warn that without urgent action, koalas could disappear from much of their natural range by 2050.

<h2>How Koalas Are A Symbol of Australia’s Wildlife Struggle?</h2>

Beyond their biological importance, koalas hold deep cultural and symbolic value. They are one of Australia’s most recognized icons, drawing millions of tourists every year. Their decline has become emblematic of the broader biodiversity crisis facing the continent.

“This vaccine represents more than just disease control,” Timms said. “It’s about giving one of Australia’s most beloved animals a fighting chance against extinction.”

With approval secured, the immediate focus will be on scaling up production and ensuring enough doses for the most vulnerable populations in Queensland and New South Wales. Researchers are also exploring how the vaccine could be integrated into broader conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and climate resilience strategies.

Phillips emphasized that while the vaccine is not a silver bullet, it fills a critical gap: “We can’t stop habitat loss or bushfires overnight. But we can reduce disease mortality significantly and give koalas the breathing space they need to recover.”

The approval also sends a hopeful message for other wildlife species threatened by infectious disease. From amphibians devastated by fungal infections to African elephants battling herpesviruses, conservationists are increasingly looking to vaccines as tools to prevent mass die-offs.

Australia’s success with the <span>koala vaccine</span> could pave the way for similar interventions worldwide, showing how science and conservation can work hand-in-hand.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

koala vaccine

chlamydia in koalas

australia wildlife conservation

endangered koalas

koala disease prevention

koala population decline

first chlamydia vaccine

AIIMS Launches 'Never Alone' Program For Students Struggling With Mental Health Issues

West Nile Virus Cases Are On the Rise, Health Officials Warn: First Signs Of West Nile In Children?

Panic In Kerala As Brain-Eating Amoeba Claims 5 Lives In A Month, 11 Under Watch

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Australia has taken a bold step in wildlife conservation by approving the world’s first vaccine designed to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that has devastated populations of the beloved marsupials. For decades, scientists, conservationists, and veterinarians have watched helplessly as this bacterial infection caused blindness, infertility, urinary tract disease, and premature death among koalas. Now, researchers believe this vaccine could change the trajectory of the species’ survival.Chlamydia in koalas is not the same as the common sexually transmitted infection in humans, though both are caused by the same bacterial family. In koalas, the disease spreads primarily through mating and can also be passed from mother to joey during birth. Unlike humans, koalas cannot easily access treatment, and wild populations are particularly vulnerable. The effects are devastating:Infertility that prevents population recovery.Severe urinary tract infections leading to dehydration.Blindness that leaves koalas unable to climb trees or find food.In Queensland and New South Wales, two of the hardest-hit states, infection rates in wild populations average around 50 percent and sometimes climb as high as 70 percent. Researchers estimate that chlamydia is responsible for nearly half of all koala deaths in the wild.“Some individual colonies are edging closer to local extinction every day,” said Peter Timms, professor of microbiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, who has spent over a decade developing the vaccine.The newly approved vaccine is the result of more than 15 years of research led by Timms and fellow microbiologist Samuel Phillips. Their team at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Centre for Bioinnovation focused on creating a single-dose vaccine that would not only protect healthy animals but also help those already infected.The formulation targets three specific chlamydia proteins and combines them with an adjuvant to stimulate the immune system. Importantly, it offers what scientists describe as “three levels of protection”:Reducing the risk of initial infection.Preventing disease progression in infected animals.Reversing existing symptoms in some cases.This means the vaccine doesn’t just stop the spread; it actively helps infected koalas recover.The vaccine’s approval by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is a global milestone. While vaccines against chlamydia exist in experimental phases for livestock and humans, this is the first time a chlamydia vaccine has been officially approved for widespread use in any species.Trials over several years involved both wild and captive koalas. Results published in 2023 showed that vaccinated koalas had significantly lower risks of developing clinical symptoms during breeding age and that mortality from chlamydia decreased by at least 65 percent in wild populations.“Knowing that we don’t have to catch the koalas multiple times and bring them back for booster doses makes this a game-changer,” Phillips explained. “The single-dose design reduces stress on the animals and makes rollout far more practical.”Currently, about 500 doses are being prepared for distribution, but researchers estimate wildlife hospitals and conservation programs will need 1,000 to 2,000 doses each year. Demand is already overwhelming. “We’ve been getting calls from wildlife hospitals asking for the vaccine before production has even scaled up,” Phillips noted.The Australian government has supported the development with A$749,000 from its A$76 million national fund to save koalas. Most of the fund is directed toward habitat restoration and monitoring, but scientists stress that addressing disease is just as urgent for long-term survival.Koalas were officially listed as endangered in 2022 in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. National monitoring estimates suggest only 95,000 to 238,000 koalas remain in these regions. In Victoria and South Australia, populations are somewhat stronger, estimated between 129,000 and 286,000. However, overall numbers have dropped by more than half in the past two decades due to a deadly combination of factors:Disease: Chlamydia being the single largest driver.Habitat loss: Expanding urbanization and deforestation.Climate change: Rising temperatures and drought weakening eucalyptus forests, the koala’s sole food source.Bushfires: The catastrophic 2019–2020 fires killed or displaced thousands of koalas.Conservation groups like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warn that without urgent action, koalas could disappear from much of their natural range by 2050.How Koalas Are A Symbol of Australia’s Wildlife Struggle?Beyond their biological importance, koalas hold deep cultural and symbolic value. They are one of Australia’s most recognized icons, drawing millions of tourists every year. Their decline has become emblematic of the broader biodiversity crisis facing the continent.“This vaccine represents more than just disease control,” Timms said. “It’s about giving one of Australia’s most beloved animals a fighting chance against extinction.”With approval secured, the immediate focus will be on scaling up production and ensuring enough doses for the most vulnerable populations in Queensland and New South Wales. Researchers are also exploring how the vaccine could be integrated into broader conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and climate resilience strategies.Phillips emphasized that while the vaccine is not a silver bullet, it fills a critical gap: “We can’t stop habitat loss or bushfires overnight. But we can reduce disease mortality significantly and give koalas the breathing space they need to recover.”The approval also sends a hopeful message for other wildlife species threatened by infectious disease. From amphibians devastated by fungal infections to African elephants battling herpesviruses, conservationists are increasingly looking to vaccines as tools to prevent mass die-offs.Australia’s success with the koala vaccine could pave the way for similar interventions worldwide, showing how science and conservation can work hand-in-hand.

australia approves first-ever chlamydia vaccine for koalas

Aarushi Bhadury

AIIMS Launches "Never Alone" Program For Students Struggling With Mental Health Issues

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Theme, History, And Significance

world suicide prevention day 2025: theme, history, and significance

Health & Wellness

From Diagnosing Diseases To Mental Health Issues: Why Relying On ChatGPT For Healthcare Is Risky

from diagnosing diseases to mental health issues: why relying on chatgpt for healthcare is risky

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Sleep Problems, Perfectionism, Pressure- The Overlooked Drivers Of Suicide Ideation

world suicide prevention day 2025: sleep problems, perfectionism, pressure- the overlooked drivers of suicide ideation

Obesity In Children Is Now More Common Than Underweight Children: UNICEF Reveals

obesity in children is now more common than underweight children: unicef reveals

The <span>All India Institute of Medical Sciences</span> (<span>AIIMS</span>) in New Delhi has created a new mental health program called "Never Alone." The program was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day to directly address the serious issue of student suicides and to improve mental health awareness. 

"Never Alone" is an AI-based tool designed to help students who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and other mental health challenges. Its main goal is to reduce the negative social stigma that often prevents people from seeking help and to make it easier for them to access professional support. 

The "Never Alone" app is a very secure and personalized program that students can use anytime, day or night. It works through a web app that can be easily accessed via WhatsApp. For a very low cost of just 70 paisa per student per day, institutions can subscribe to the service and offer it to their students.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/physiotherapists-are-not-doctors-cannot-use-dr-title-rules-health-authority-in-india-article-152768287" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Physiotherapists Are Not Doctors, Cannot Use ‘Dr’ Title, Rules Health Authority In India</a> 

The app provides a secure mental health screening and gives students access to both online and in-person consultations with trained mental health experts. This setup makes getting help more convenient and private, which can be very important for students who might feel uncomfortable talking about their struggles in person. 

This program was launched to tackle a serious national problem. According to government data, in 2022, more than 1.7 lakh people died by suicide in India. What's especially concerning is that a large portion of these deaths—35%—were among young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. 

Experts say a big reason for this is that many people with mental health issues don't get the help they need. This is often due to a lack of awareness and the fear of being judged by others. The "Never Alone" app aims to fill this gap by providing a confidential and accessible way for students to get support.

AIIMS

all india institute of medical sciences

AIIMS Mental Health app

Mental Health app aiims

AIIMS Never Alone

aiims help app

aiims help app students

students mental health

health news

health news india

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has created a new mental health program called "Never Alone." The program was launched on World Suicide Prevention Day to directly address the serious issue of student suicides and to improve mental health awareness. "Never Alone" is an AI-based tool designed to help students who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and other mental health challenges. Its main goal is to reduce the negative social stigma that often prevents people from seeking help and to make it easier for them to access professional support. How the App Works?The "Never Alone" app is a very secure and personalized program that students can use anytime, day or night. It works through a web app that can be easily accessed via WhatsApp. For a very low cost of just 70 paisa per student per day, institutions can subscribe to the service and offer it to their students.Also Read: Physiotherapists Are Not Doctors, Cannot Use ‘Dr’ Title, Rules Health Authority In India The app provides a secure mental health screening and gives students access to both online and in-person consultations with trained mental health experts. This setup makes getting help more convenient and private, which can be very important for students who might feel uncomfortable talking about their struggles in person. Growing Crisis Among Young Adults This program was launched to tackle a serious national problem. According to government data, in 2022, more than 1.7 lakh people died by suicide in India. What's especially concerning is that a large portion of these deaths—35%—were among young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. Experts say a big reason for this is that many people with mental health issues don't get the help they need. This is often due to a lack of awareness and the fear of being judged by others. The "Never Alone" app aims to fill this gap by providing a confidential and accessible way for students to get support.

aiims launches "never alone" program for students struggling with mental health issues

CDC Report Finds US Death Rate Had Fallen Back To Pre-Pandemic Levels In 2024

cdc report finds us death rate had fallen back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024

What A Stage 0 Cancer Diagnosis Really Means? Oncologist Explains

what a stage 0 cancer diagnosis really means? oncologist explains

The 10-Minute Response: Building Speed and Strength in Emergency Preparedness

the 10-minute response: building speed and strength in emergency preparedness

Not Just The Parenting Competency Test, Hundreds Of Greenlandic Girls Were Forcibly Given Contraception, Report Reveals

not just the parenting competency test, hundreds of greenlandic girls were forcibly given contraception, report reveals

Kerala, an Indian state located in the south and famous for its backwaters and green scenery, is now in the midst of increasing fear. Five individuals—children as young as three months old—have died in the last month alone due to a rare but deadly infection referred to as amoebic meningoencephalitis. The infection, brought on by "brain-eating" amoebae present in tainted water, has shocked the region and attracted worldwide attention to the dangers represented by emerging pathogens.

The newest victim, 56-year-old Malappuram district resident Shobhana, died on September 9 while receiving critical care at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH). Only a few days ago, another patient, Ratheesh, from Sulthan Bathery had passed away. Three others—a three-month-old infant, a nine-year-old girl, and a 52-year-old woman—also perished in the recent weeks. At least 11 other patients, including children, are still under observation at the state's biggest tertiary care center.

<h2>Why This Infection is So Lethal?</h2>

The perpetrator is neither a virus nor a bacterium, but free-living amoebae like Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. These are microscopic organisms that live in hot, stagnant freshwater and inadequately maintained sources like rivers, ponds, and untreated wells. The disease occurs in two forms:

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): Due to Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba." It enters via the nose, migrates along the olfactory nerve, and directly infects brain tissue. Symptoms—headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, seizures—rise within days, frequently terminating in death.

Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE): Due to Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, these infections spread more slowly, reaching the brain via blood through inhalation or skin injury.

Worldwide, amoebic meningoencephalitis has a case fatality of as much as 97 percent. Infections were rare, having been first reported by India in 1971. But in the past two years, Kerala has witnessed a surge: 36 confirmed cases and nine deaths in 2023 alone, a sharp contrast to eight in the six years that had transpired.

What concerns professionals is not only the increasing figures but also systemic failures. Kerala's public health activists mention lack of coordination between state authorities, local health bodies, and hospitals. There is no unified database available that records confirmed cases, recoveries, or deaths, making health workers and the population oblivious.

Drugs essential in the treatment of patients are not produced locally and have to be imported, in most cases resulting in delays in treatment. Kozhikode MCH officials confirmed that drugs for specialty have been ordered from overseas, but medical practitioners assure that prognosis is still bleak, particularly among patients with comorbid conditions.

<h2>Has Climate Change and Environmental Factors Increases Risk Of Infection?</h2>

Why is Kerala seeing such an upsurge now? Scientists and doctors think that climate change could be responsible. Temperature increases and unpredictable rainfall patterns are leading to more stagnant water bodies where amoebae can grow.

Dr. Abdul Rauf, a pediatric intensivist from Baby Memorial Hospital at Kozhikode, says that most recent cases have had delayed onset of symptoms—sometimes two weeks—are indicative of other amoebae like Acanthamoeba or Balamuthia as the causative agents. He further states that dirty water with high coliform content, associated with sewage and poor drainage, also raises chances of infection.

This brings into question larger environmental issues. With fast development, poorly designed drainage systems, and houses located near waste disposal grounds, citizens are being subjected to situations that could trigger the spread of unusual pathogens.

In northern Kerala—specifically Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts—people are going out of their way to shun ponds and rivers. Parents don't want to let children swim, and villages have gone so far as to declare temporary prohibitions against bathing in communal water bodies. The fear is palpable: each new case contributes to a sense of vulnerability, given how low the survival rates are.

Kerala notched up its very first survivor of PAM in July 2024—a boy of 14 from Kozhikode who became one of only 10 known survivors globally. Although that was celebrated as a rare triumph, it highlighted how slim the chances of survival are.

While amoebic meningoencephalitis is uncommon, Kerala's outbreak highlights a global reality: climate-sensitive diseases once relegated to "medical curiosities" are no longer only found in textbooks. With freshwater sources heating up and sanitation infrastructure coming under strain, more communities around the world may be vulnerable.

For public health officials, the Kerala crisis is a reminder that rapid response, early detection, and open data-sharing are not choices—the choice is lifesaving. For residents, it's a stern call to re-think common interactions with natural water sources.

Kerala's health department has now launched special treatment protocols, pressed local governments to keep a watchful eye on water quality, and stepped up awareness campaigns. Experts caution, however, that these steps need to go beyond firefighting. Long-term investment in sanitation, drainage, and access to clean water will be critical.

Worldwide, experts emphasize the immediate need for stronger surveillance and increased investment in treatment for free-living amoeba infections. Treatments available today are restricted and in some cases, experimental. A more powerful drug pipeline, in addition to prevention with measures such as chlorination of water supplies and improved environmental sanitation, may decrease mortality.

brain eating amoeba kerala

amoebic meningoencephalitis deaths

naegleria fowleri infection india

kerala brain infection outbreak

rare brain eating amoeba cases

kerala health crisis 2024

brain eating amoeba symptoms

Kerala, an Indian state located in the south and famous for its backwaters and green scenery, is now in the midst of increasing fear. Five individuals—children as young as three months old—have died in the last month alone due to a rare but deadly infection referred to as amoebic meningoencephalitis. The infection, brought on by "brain-eating" amoebae present in tainted water, has shocked the region and attracted worldwide attention to the dangers represented by emerging pathogens.The newest victim, 56-year-old Malappuram district resident Shobhana, died on September 9 while receiving critical care at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH). Only a few days ago, another patient, Ratheesh, from Sulthan Bathery had passed away. Three others—a three-month-old infant, a nine-year-old girl, and a 52-year-old woman—also perished in the recent weeks. At least 11 other patients, including children, are still under observation at the state's biggest tertiary care center.Why This Infection is So Lethal?The perpetrator is neither a virus nor a bacterium, but free-living amoebae like Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. These are microscopic organisms that live in hot, stagnant freshwater and inadequately maintained sources like rivers, ponds, and untreated wells. The disease occurs in two forms:Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): Due to Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba." It enters via the nose, migrates along the olfactory nerve, and directly infects brain tissue. Symptoms—headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, seizures—rise within days, frequently terminating in death.Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE): Due to Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, these infections spread more slowly, reaching the brain via blood through inhalation or skin injury.Worldwide, amoebic meningoencephalitis has a case fatality of as much as 97 percent. Infections were rare, having been first reported by India in 1971. But in the past two years, Kerala has witnessed a surge: 36 confirmed cases and nine deaths in 2023 alone, a sharp contrast to eight in the six years that had transpired.What concerns professionals is not only the increasing figures but also systemic failures. Kerala's public health activists mention lack of coordination between state authorities, local health bodies, and hospitals. There is no unified database available that records confirmed cases, recoveries, or deaths, making health workers and the population oblivious.Drugs essential in the treatment of patients are not produced locally and have to be imported, in most cases resulting in delays in treatment. Kozhikode MCH officials confirmed that drugs for specialty have been ordered from overseas, but medical practitioners assure that prognosis is still bleak, particularly among patients with comorbid conditions.Has Climate Change and Environmental Factors Increases Risk Of Infection?Why is Kerala seeing such an upsurge now? Scientists and doctors think that climate change could be responsible. Temperature increases and unpredictable rainfall patterns are leading to more stagnant water bodies where amoebae can grow.Dr. Abdul Rauf, a pediatric intensivist from Baby Memorial Hospital at Kozhikode, says that most recent cases have had delayed onset of symptoms—sometimes two weeks—are indicative of other amoebae like Acanthamoeba or Balamuthia as the causative agents. He further states that dirty water with high coliform content, associated with sewage and poor drainage, also raises chances of infection.This brings into question larger environmental issues. With fast development, poorly designed drainage systems, and houses located near waste disposal grounds, citizens are being subjected to situations that could trigger the spread of unusual pathogens.Fear and Changing HabitsIn northern Kerala—specifically Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts—people are going out of their way to shun ponds and rivers. Parents don't want to let children swim, and villages have gone so far as to declare temporary prohibitions against bathing in communal water bodies. The fear is palpable: each new case contributes to a sense of vulnerability, given how low the survival rates are.Kerala notched up its very first survivor of PAM in July 2024—a boy of 14 from Kozhikode who became one of only 10 known survivors globally. Although that was celebrated as a rare triumph, it highlighted how slim the chances of survival are.While amoebic meningoencephalitis is uncommon, Kerala's outbreak highlights a global reality: climate-sensitive diseases once relegated to "medical curiosities" are no longer only found in textbooks. With freshwater sources heating up and sanitation infrastructure coming under strain, more communities around the world may be vulnerable.For public health officials, the Kerala crisis is a reminder that rapid response, early detection, and open data-sharing are not choices—the choice is lifesaving. For residents, it's a stern call to re-think common interactions with natural water sources.Kerala's health department has now launched special treatment protocols, pressed local governments to keep a watchful eye on water quality, and stepped up awareness campaigns. Experts caution, however, that these steps need to go beyond firefighting. Long-term investment in sanitation, drainage, and access to clean water will be critical.Worldwide, experts emphasize the immediate need for stronger surveillance and increased investment in treatment for free-living amoeba infections. Treatments available today are restricted and in some cases, experimental. A more powerful drug pipeline, in addition to prevention with measures such as chlorination of water supplies and improved environmental sanitation, may decrease mortality.

panic in kerala as brain-eating amoeba claims 5 lives in a month, 11 under watch

Physiotherapists Are Not Doctors, Cannot Use ‘Dr’ Title, Rules Health Authority In India

Not Low Sex Drive But Throbbing Headaches Were Ruining This Man's Marriage And Health: Neurologist Explains Why

not low sex drive but throbbing headaches were ruining this man's marriage and health: neurologist explains why

Physiotherapists can no longer put ‘Dr’ prefix in their identification. The <span>Directorate General of Health Services</span> (<span>DGHS</span>) in India has issued a new order telling all physiotherapists to stop using the "Dr." title before their names. This is because the DGHS believes it is a violation of a law from 1916 called the Indian Medical Degrees Act. They want to make it very clear that only medical doctors should use this title. 

<h2>Why Can Some Medical Professionals Not Use ‘Dr’? </h2>

The DGHS is worried that using the "Dr." title might confuse people. When a patient sees this prefix, they might think the physiotherapist is a full medical doctor who can diagnose illnesses. This is a problem because physiotherapists are not trained to diagnose medical conditions, and giving a person the wrong advice could make their health worse. For this reason, the DGHS says that physiotherapists should only treat patients who have already been seen and referred by a medical doctor. 

<h2>Why Is There Pushback Against New Directive on ‘Dr’ Prefix? </h2>

This new order is confusing because it goes against a recent announcement. Just a few months ago, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) had said that physiotherapists would be allowed to use the "Dr." prefix as part of their new curriculum for 2025. This means there are now two different government bodies giving opposite instructions. 

The DGHS's new order is based on a long history of legal decisions. Their letter points to rulings from various courts and medical councils that have always said the "Dr." title is a special title reserved only for specific medical practitioners, such as those in modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. The DGHS is now officially asking for the "Dr." prefix to be removed from the new physiotherapy curriculum and for a different, more suitable title to be used instead. 

<h2>Who Can Use ‘Dr’ Prefix In India? </h2>

According to the Indian Medical Association, as per the <span>Supreme Court of India</span>, a "quack" is a person who practices a system of medicine they are not qualified in. In India, there are three main recognized systems of medicine: 

<ul><li>Modern Medicine (Allopathy)</li><li>AYUSH (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani)</li><li>Homeopathy</li></ul>

Different laws govern each of these systems, and a person is only allowed to practice the specific system they are qualified in. The "Dr." title is legally reserved for practitioners of these three recognized systems.

Physiotherapists Are Not Doctors

dghs

supreme court of india

directorate general of health services

are Physiotherapists also doctors

who can us Dr title

New Directive on Dr Prefix

who is considered a dr

physiotherapist dr

prefix physiotherapy dr prefix

Physiotherapists can no longer put ‘Dr’ prefix in their identification. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in India has issued a new order telling all physiotherapists to stop using the "Dr." title before their names. This is because the DGHS believes it is a violation of a law from 1916 called the Indian Medical Degrees Act. They want to make it very clear that only medical doctors should use this title. Why Can Some Medical Professionals Not Use ‘Dr’? The DGHS is worried that using the "Dr." title might confuse people. When a patient sees this prefix, they might think the physiotherapist is a full medical doctor who can diagnose illnesses. This is a problem because physiotherapists are not trained to diagnose medical conditions, and giving a person the wrong advice could make their health worse. For this reason, the DGHS says that physiotherapists should only treat patients who have already been seen and referred by a medical doctor. Why Is There Pushback Against New Directive on ‘Dr’ Prefix? This new order is confusing because it goes against a recent announcement. Just a few months ago, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) had said that physiotherapists would be allowed to use the "Dr." prefix as part of their new curriculum for 2025. This means there are now two different government bodies giving opposite instructions. The DGHS's new order is based on a long history of legal decisions. Their letter points to rulings from various courts and medical councils that have always said the "Dr." title is a special title reserved only for specific medical practitioners, such as those in modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. The DGHS is now officially asking for the "Dr." prefix to be removed from the new physiotherapy curriculum and for a different, more suitable title to be used instead. Who Can Use ‘Dr’ Prefix In India? According to the Indian Medical Association, as per the Supreme Court of India, a "quack" is a person who practices a system of medicine they are not qualified in. In India, there are three main recognized systems of medicine: Modern Medicine (Allopathy)AYUSH (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani)HomeopathyDifferent laws govern each of these systems, and a person is only allowed to practice the specific system they are qualified in. The "Dr." title is legally reserved for practitioners of these three recognized systems.

physiotherapists are not doctors, cannot use ‘dr’ title, rules health authority in india

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Australia Approves First-Ever Chlamydia Vaccine For Koalas

Quick Stories

AIIMS Launches "Never Alone" Program For Students Struggling With Mental Health Issues

Panic In Kerala As Brain-Eating Amoeba Claims 5 Lives In A Month, 11 Under Watch

Physiotherapists Are Not Doctors, Cannot Use ‘Dr’ Title, Rules Health Authority In India

Health Conditions A-Z

AIIMS Launches 'Never Alone' Program For Students Struggling With Mental Health Issues

West Nile Virus Cases Are On the Rise, Health Officials Warn: First Signs Of West Nile In Children?

Panic In Kerala As Brain-Eating Amoeba Claims 5 Lives In A Month, 11 Under Watch