Surveillance has been increased and precautionary measures enhanced in Ghata and Lalpura villages in Rajasthan’s Salumbar district following the deaths of five children within six days due to a suspected unidentified illness. The state government has responded urgently, sending medical teams to the affected areas and launching a detailed investigation.
The children initially experienced mild fever and weakness before their condition worsened. Despite being taken to nearby health facilities and hospitals, including those in Dhariyawad, Salumbar, and Udaipur, they could not be saved. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has instructed officials to assess the situation, determine the cause of deaths, and implement preventive measures promptly.
A team of experts from RNT Medical College, Udaipur, has been deployed to the affected villages for a comprehensive investigation, including blood sample collection and field assessments. Health teams are conducting intensive screenings in the villages and surrounding areas, focusing on children displaying fever symptoms.
Efforts are underway to provide immediate treatment to symptomatic children, refer critical cases to hospitals promptly, and implement preventive measures like anti-larval activities and fogging to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Door-to-door surveys are being conducted to identify new cases and control the situation.
Officials, including Sub-Divisional Officer Dinesh Acharya, are interacting with affected families and collecting samples to determine the illness’s exact cause. Despite some objections to sample collection, authorities are working to counsel residents and secure cooperation. Villagers have raised concerns about infrastructure challenges, including poor road conditions and weak mobile network connectivity, affecting access to medical care.
Residents have been advised by the Health Department to maintain hygiene, drink clean water, and seek medical attention promptly for fever or related symptoms. The exact cause of the illness will be established upon receipt of detailed reports, while ongoing surveillance and precautionary measures aim to prevent further casualties.
