Jamshedpur, June 28 (IANS). At least three children have died of cerebral malaria in the last 48 hours in Potka block of East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
Due to this, a serious health crisis has arisen in the area, due to which the authorities have had to start a large-scale survey.
New cases are still being reported from the affected villages, while more than 20 patients have been admitted to Jamshedpur’s Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital. It is being told that the condition of many of them is critical.
In view of the seriousness of the spread of the disease, the health department has intensified surveillance, mass screening and medical help in nine villages of Potka.
District Surveillance Officer Dr. Asad said that with the onset of monsoon, a sudden increase in the cases of malaria and cerebral malaria has been seen in these villages. He has also confirmed the death of the children.
The deceased have been identified as Lakhi Sardar (7th class student of PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Residential School), Rahul Sardar (8) of Daudrodiya village and Subola Sardar (8) of Kander village.
Meanwhile, Subola’s one-year-old sister Khushboo Sardar has also been infected and is currently on ventilator support in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of MGM Hospital.
During the massive testing, more than 14 new cases have been reported, which include three students of Kasturba Gandhi School and a nine-month-old baby from the Sabar tribal community.
Health teams have so far examined more than 600 people in the affected areas through special medical camps.
Amid this crisis, the administration has sealed a private clinic in Potka following allegations of negligence in the treatment of Lakhi Sardar.
Investigations revealed that despite having clear symptoms of cerebral malaria, proper treatment was not given. A show cause notice has also been issued to the clinic operator.
–IANS
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