Narayanpatna: Three persons have died while 66 others including 16 kids have been affected by an undiagnosed fever during the last 10 days in Bijaghati village under this block in Koraput district, according to a report.
Manguli Shirika (62) and Tuna Shirika died August 27 and September 1 respectively while Bateka Shirika died Monday, the villagers said.
A medical team visited the village Monday to trace the reason of the outbreak, it was learnt. At present, the residents are in a state of panic due to the spread of the disease.
Speaking about the symptoms of the disease, the villagers said it starts with mild fever followed by severe cough and headache. Sixty six villagers have been affected in last 10 days, of which 22 have been admitted to a hospital at Mathalpur of Damanjodi. Condition of most of the patients is stated to be critical.
Meanwhile, some NGO activists visited the village and collected blood samples. None of the villagers suffer from malaria, the volunteers said.
On the other hand, the members of the medical team suspected that consumption of contaminated water might have caused the condition.
Though there are three tube-wells in the village, one of them has been lying defunct for seven months. Another tube-well produces muddy water which is not suitable for human consumption, it was learnt.
Finding the water of just one tube-well inadequate for 55 families, people use the water of a nearby fall for all purposes.
Dr Chinmay Lima of Narayanpatna CHC said efforts are on to bring the situation under control. Another medical team would be sent to Bijaghati Tuesday to find out the reason, the doctor said, adding that a report would be submitted to the district collector as well as to the CDMO. PNN
