The deadly Japanese Encephalitis (JE) claimed lives of three more children in Malkangiri on Tuesday, taking the death toll in the vector-borne disease to 84 in the tribals-dominated district and raising an alarm in the neghbouring districts too.
The day’s deceased were identified as Ramesh Padiami of Daniguda village, Rasi Madhi of Korkonda and Ramesh Pujari of Mathili.
All of them succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment at Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
Notably, Ramesh’s sister Sushila had died of the disease two days ago.
Sources said that as many as six children affected by JE are now undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the DHH.
On the other hand, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Nruparaj Sahu, who is now camping in Malkangiri to check the spread of the virus, said the situation remains grim as of now.
“Japanese Encephalitis has really posed a threat. The situation remained grim for last three to four days. All possible efforts are being taken to control the menace,” said Sahu.
He said an expert team would visit the district after Thursday to review the situation.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to visit Malkangiri on Friday to take stock of the situation.