Daijiworld Media Network - Jharkhand

Sahibganj, Mar 24: A deadly outbreak resembling cerebral malaria has claimed the lives of five children in Nagarbhitha village, located in the Mandar block of Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The disease has also left 12 others seriously ill in the past 12 days, prompting urgent action from the local health authorities.

Upon receiving reports of the outbreak, a medical team was dispatched to the village on Monday. The team set up a temporary health camp where medicines were distributed to affected families. Blood and other samples were collected and sent to Dumka for testing to identify the exact cause of the illness.

Sahibganj’s Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati instructed the Civil Surgeon to ensure adequate medical attention for the affected individuals and to closely monitor the ongoing situation. A comprehensive survey of the village and surrounding areas is being conducted to contain the spread of the disease.

The first victim of the outbreak was two-year-old Jeeta Pahariya, who died on March 12 after suffering from a high fever and severe vomiting. His family, like many others in the remote village, had initially sought relief through traditional herbal treatments. All five children who died were from the Pahariya community, a vulnerable tribal group in Jharkhand.

The issue was brought to light when the village Pradhan informed local Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders, who then alerted the district administration and health officials. The situation is now under control, and 12 residents of the village, including several members of the Pahariya community, are currently being treated for similar symptoms.

The district administration is intensifying health surveillance in Nagarbhitha and nearby villages to ensure prompt detection and response to any new cases. Medical teams will remain in the area to provide continued care and monitor the situation.