Mystery disease: Villagers on edge after 5 kids die in 13 days in Odisha

KORAPUT: The village of Munuspadar, located in Dongasil panchayat under Kashipur block of Rayagada district, is in the grip of fear following the death of five children, aged between 6 and 15, since the beginning of June.
The most recent fatality occurred on Thursday after 12-year-old Palasi Majhi passed away. He had been referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur from the district headquarters hospital in Rayagada the previous day.The mystery illness, first reported on June 3, has resulted in widespread panic in the village. Currently, four children and a 61-year-old man, identified as Hari Majhi, are in hospital.
On Thursday, a team of experts from SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput visited Munuspadar to investigate the cause of the mystery illness.
Chief district medical and public health officer (Rayagada), Lal Mohan Routray, who visited the children admitted in hospital, reported symptoms consistent with a throat infection. “Throat swab and blood samples of the affected children and the adult have been sent for laboratory tests in Bhubaneswar, and the results are awaited,” Routray stated.
“The feet and throat of the affected children are swollen. At this stage, we can’t jump to any conclusions. However, a health team is stationed at the village, and necessary steps are being taken to contain the spread of the disease to other areas,” Routray added.