Mystery illness kills five children in Rajasthan villages, triggers emergency response
JAIPUR — Authorities in Rajasthan have intensified surveillance and launched an urgent investigation after five children died within six days in two villages in Salumbar district, sparking panic among residents.
The deaths occurred in Ghata and Lalpura villages in the Lasadiya region, where officials said the children developed mild fever and weakness before their condition rapidly worsened. Despite being taken to nearby health centers and hospitals in Dhariyawad, Salumbar, and Udaipur, they could not be saved.
The state government has mobilized medical teams to the affected areas as it works to determine the cause of the suspected illness.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed officials to assess the situation on the ground, identify the cause of the deaths, and implement measures to prevent further spread.
A team of experts from RNT Medical College in Udaipur has been deployed and is conducting field investigations, including collecting blood samples and assessing local conditions.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas reviewed the situation via video conference, instructing officials to maintain constant surveillance and respond swiftly. Principal Secretary for Medical and Health Gayatri Rathore said teams have been deployed across the affected villages and surrounding areas to conduct intensive screening, particularly among children showing symptoms.
Authorities have ordered immediate treatment for symptomatic individuals, with critical cases to be referred promptly to district or medical college hospitals. Preventive measures, including anti-larval operations, fogging, and efforts to reduce mosquito breeding, are also underway.
Door-to-door surveys are being conducted to identify additional cases and contain any potential outbreak.
Sub-Divisional Officer Dinesh Acharya visited the villages along with medical teams to meet affected families, while samples from children and their relatives are being collected to determine the exact cause of the illness.
In at least one case, family members resisted sample collection, citing earlier inconclusive hospital reports. Officials said they are continuing outreach efforts to build trust and encourage cooperation.
Residents have also pointed to infrastructure challenges that may be complicating the response, including poor road conditions that delay access to healthcare facilities and weak mobile network coverage that hampers communication during emergencies.
The Health Department has advised villagers to maintain hygiene, drink clean or boiled water, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever appear.
Officials said the exact cause of the illness will be confirmed only after detailed laboratory analysis is completed. (Source: IANS)
