Malkangiri: A mysterious disease has reared its ugly head again in a tribal village of Malkangiri district, a report said.
The unknown disease has claimed lives of 13 people within a month at Sodiguda village under Mathili block, even as panic gripped tribal pocket.
Villagers say, the disease starts with swelling of the body then the patient loses appetite. S/he gets weaker by the day and dies within a week. The village has lost 13 lives in a month.
Among the victims were Baman Madhi, Adma Sodhi, Midia Sodhi, Jasa Madhi, Laxmi Kabasi, Irma Kabasi and Mangala Madkami. Two children like Sanmati Madhi and Padma Madhi have lost their lives to the mysterious disease too.
The residents say the disease is spreading fast in the village, they are living in panic.
As locals of this remote village lack consciousness, they swear by local quacks instead of doctors.
Affected people have reposed faith in sorcerers or traditional healers. Some villagers pointed out that the village headman advises patients to seek treatment from witch doctors.
Youths of the village said, villagers believe that healthcare is not properly taken care of at hospitals due to COVID situation.
It may be noted here that Kenduguda village with a population of about 400, under Malkangiri block had seen similar situations in May and June. By June 3, 2020, the village has lost 15 Koya tribals to the mysterious disease.
Those who had died used to complain of swollen legs and swollen stomach. Local villagers said that most of those who died didn’t have the strength even to walk or stand properly and suffered acute respiratory problems.
Health officials had said those who died were aged between 25 and 65 and all of them showed symptoms like cold, fever, vomiting and swollen legs. The first death was reported February 24, 2020.
Mathili sub-divisional medical officer Dr Amiya Kumar Swain said patients from the village had come to the hospital about a month ago. He was affected by kidney disease, but there are no reports about the unknown disease from the village.
He added that a special medical team will be formed to take stock of the situation and collect blood samples.
PNN
