Mystery Illness Kills 20 in Andhra Village, Health Emergency Declared
Health emergency declared as deadly infection spreads rapidly.
A health emergency has been declared in Turakapalem village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, after a mysterious illness claimed 20 lives over the past two months, prompting Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to deploy high-level medical teams to investigate. The outbreak, suspected to be Melioidosis, a serious bacterial infection, has triggered alarm as authorities race to contain its spread.
A team led by Dr Raghunandan, Director of Medical Education, is conducting a thorough investigation in the village. Preliminary lab reports confirmed two cases of Melioidosis, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and stagnant water, particularly during monsoons and flooding. The infection, treatable with prolonged antibiotic courses, requires early diagnosis to prevent severe outcomes, especially in individuals with conditions like diabetes.
The state has ordered comprehensive health screenings for all 2,500 residents, including tests for kidney function, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, as the disease disproportionately affects those with pre-existing health issues. Most victims were men around 55 years old, with symptoms starting as fever and cough, often progressing to severe lung damage.
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Chief Minister Naidu has instructed officials to ensure a safe drinking water supply and to seek expertise from AIIMS, Mangalagiri, and international medical experts if necessary. The government is prioritizing rapid diagnosis and treatment to curb the outbreak, with health teams working tirelessly to protect the village and prevent further fatalities.
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