At least 10 children, aged between one and four years, died and as many were affected due to suspected mosquito-borne infection in tribals-dominated Malkangiri district in past one month.
According to official sources, the children belonged to Korkunda, Balimela and Kalimela blocks and blood samples of the other affected kids have been sent for laboratory test in Bhubaneswar and Pune. Stating that the disease affecting the children is suspected to be an infection induced by mosquito bite, an official said the exact reason could be ascertained only after obtaining the laboratory report.
Four medical teams comprising doctors, specialists and scientists have visited the area and are keeping a close watch on the situation, he said, adding that no report of casualty was received in last three days.
About the symptoms of the disease, he said the children first suffer from fever followed by vomiting and severe weakness leading to their death in next few days. As the district is tribals-dominated, those suffering from any disease in hinterland first visit a Disari (black magician), then to a quack and turn up at the hospital in a very serious condition.
Besides, a large number of vacancies of doctor posts in the district is an impediment in providing proper health services, he said. Of the 97 sanctioned posts of doctors, 64 are vacant and only 33 doctors are there to look after patients.