10 children die due to mosquito bite in Odisha

At least 10 children, aged between one and four years, died and as many were affected due to suspected mosquito-borne infection in Odisha's tribal dominated Malkangiri district in past one month, an official said in Malkangiri on Friday.

The children belonged to Korkunda, Balimela and Kalimela blocks in the district and blood samples of those affected have been sent for laboratory test at Bhubaneswar and Pune, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Malkangiri, Udayanath Mishra said.

Stating that the disease affecting the children was suspected to be an infection induced by mosquito bite, Mishra said the exact reason could be ascertained only after obtaining the laboratory report.

Four medical teams comprising doctors, specialists and scientists had visited the area and are keeping a close vigil on the situation, he said, adding, the situation was under control and no report of casualty was received in last three days.

About the symptoms of the disease, Mishra said the children first suffer from fever followed by vomiting and severe weakness leading to their death in next few days.

Mishra said as the district is tribal 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 vacancy of doctor posts in the district is an impediment in providing proper health services, he said.

Out of 97 sanctioned posts of doctors 64 are vacant and only 33 doctors are there for providing service to patients.