Daijiworld Media Network - Balaghat

Balaghat, Aug 24: Madhya Pradesh Health Department teams have screened 3,811 people in three villages of Balaghat district affected by illnesses including malaria and diarrhoea, as authorities stepped up surveillance amid a controversy over child deaths in the tribal belt.

The Opposition Congress has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government’s handling of the situation, alleging that facts about the deaths were being concealed and that the actual toll could be significantly higher.

During door-to-door health surveys in Kundeksa, Korka and Bondari villages of Birsa block, health teams detected 798 cases of malaria, diarrhoea, fever with rashes and skin diseases.

According to the government report till Sunday, 320 people were diagnosed with malaria, 155 with diarrhoea, 146 with fever accompanied by body rashes and 177 with skin diseases.

Of the 798 patients identified, 569 were treated at home, while 229 were admitted to hospitals. Of those hospitalised, 201 have recovered and returned home, while 28 remain under treatment.

“Twelve new patients were admitted to hospital on Sunday, while five were discharged after treatment. All the hospitalised patients were admitted as a precautionary measure and their condition is stable and out of danger,” district authorities said.

Door-to-door health surveys and treatment are continuing in the three villages. Health teams are maintaining surveillance and arranging hospitalisation wherever required.

The latest figures come amid reports of child deaths in Baiga-dominated villages in the district. The Health Department has confirmed eight child deaths in the affected villages.

The deaths have triggered a political controversy, with Congress leaders strongly criticising the state government and claiming that the actual toll is significantly higher.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar had last week alleged that 19 children had died and accused the government of concealing the toll.

The exact cause of the illnesses has not yet been conclusively established. Health officials have reported symptoms associated with multiple infections, including malaria-like fever and skin infections, as well as nutritional deficiencies.

Blood and water samples have been sent for further examination.

Authorities said surveillance and treatment would continue as officials closely monitor the health situation in the affected villages.