Tragic Loss: Five Children Succumb to Suspected Cerebral Malaria in Sahibganj, Jharkhand
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Synopsis
A mysterious illness mimicking cerebral malaria has led to the deaths of five children in Nagarbhitha, Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The local health authorities have taken action in response to the outbreak, which has left several others seriously ill.
Key Takeaways
- Five children have died in Nagarbhitha due to a suspected illness.
- District health officials are actively responding to the outbreak.
- Health camp has been established in the affected village.
- Blood samples have been sent to Dumka for testing.
- The affected children belonged to the vulnerable Pahariya tribal community.
Sahibganj (Jharkhand), March 24 (NationPress) A perplexing illness with characteristics similar to cerebral malaria has taken the lives of five children in the Nagarbhitha village of the Mandar block in Jharkhand's Sahibganj district, according to officials.
In the last 12 days, this illness has left 12 others gravely unwell, prompting the district administration and health officials to take immediate action.
After the outbreak was reported, a medical team from the health department arrived in the village on Monday and set up a temporary health camp.
Officials provided medications to the affected families and collected blood and other samples, which have been dispatched to Dumka for testing to identify the precise cause of the illness.
Sahibganj Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati has instructed the Civil Surgeon to ensure adequate medical care for those impacted and to closely observe the situation. The Health Department has also been tasked with conducting a comprehensive survey of the village and surrounding areas to prevent further spread of the disease.
The first death was recorded on March 12, when Jeeta Pahariya, the two-year-old son of Chandu Pahariya, succumbed to a high fever and ongoing vomiting. His family, like many others in this isolated village, initially depended on traditional herbal remedies.
All five deceased children were part of the Pahariya community, a primitive tribal group recognized as one of the most at-risk populations in Jharkhand.
The crisis became apparent when the village Pradhan (head) notified local leaders of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Sunday. They subsequently informed the district administration and the Health Department, which mobilized medical resources.
Currently, 12 villagers, including Ruti Pahariya, Dinesh Pahariya, Run Pahariya, Meena Pahariya, Johnny Pahariya, Daniyal Pahariya, Manoj Pahariya, Gulabi Pahariya, Pati Pahariya, and Chuni Paharin, are exhibiting similar symptoms and are under medical care. Blood samples from over 30 villagers have been gathered for additional tests.
In response to the outbreak, Deputy Commissioner Sati has ordered the Health Department to enhance health surveillance in Nagarbhitha and nearby villages. Medical teams will remain in the village to provide care and monitor any new cases.
