Rayagada: In a distressing incident, an unknown disease has claimed the lives of 4 children within a week in Rayagada district, Odisha.
The deceased victims of the unknown disease are identified as Purni Majhi (10), Narendra Majhi (4), Dasa Majhi (10), and Kali Majhi (15), all belonging to Munushpadar village coming under Dongasil panchayat of Kashipur block.
Although the origin of the mysterious disease is unknown, the victims are experiencing symptoms like a sudden burning sensation in the skin, swelling of the throat, and mild fever.
On Wednesday, the chief district medical officer (CDMO), Rayagada, Dr Lalmohan Routray, said “We have initiated an investigation into the unknown disease. A team of doctors led by Dr Mamata Chaudhary (Child Specialist) with an epidemiologist have been sent from DHH to the village to provide immediate support to the patients.”
CDMO further said, “A team from the World Health Organisation (WHO) from Bhawanipatna has also reached the site to analyse the cause behind the disease. We have also admitted five more patients in the DHH, Rayagada, all of them are currently under medical supervision. We have also collected blood samples, throat swabs, with antibody titer information, and sent it to Bhubaneswar for further investigation.”
Asu Majhi, one of the relatives of patients admitted to Rayagada Hospital, said, “For a week-long, the disease has created havoc in the village. Three children have died within the last week. We all depend upon the waterfall for drinking water as there are no other sources.”
Another attendant named Puri Majhi said, “I have come to the hospital with four children three of them are suffering from swollen throats, and one of them is suffering from mild fever and is continuously vomiting.”
The continuous deaths of four children have created a state of panic among the villagers.
