Four Children Dead as Cerebral Malaria Cases Climb to 150 in Jharkhand

The outbreak of cerebral malaria in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district has deepened, with nine new cases detected in the Potka block , pushing the total number of infections to 150 within the past week . The rising numbers have prompted the district administration to step up surveillance, testing, and treatment efforts to prevent further spread of the potentially fatal disease.

According to district officials, nearly 3,000 blood samples have been tested in Potka since June 24 as part of an intensive screening drive. The latest round of testing identified nine additional patients on Wednesday, adding to the growing tally of confirmed cases.

The majority of infections have been reported from the villages of Kandar and Hithbasa , where health teams have been deployed continuously. Medical personnel are conducting door to door monitoring, distributing medicines and mosquito nets , and spreading awareness about preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Officials said nine patients are currently admitted to a hospital in the Potka block, while 45 others are undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital in Jamshedpur . Authorities are closely monitoring all patients and ensuring that adequate medical facilities remain available.

The outbreak has already claimed the lives of four children , who died after contracting cerebral malaria since the first cases emerged last week. The deaths have heightened concerns among residents and health authorities, underscoring the seriousness of the disease.

Cerebral malaria is one of the most severe complications caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum , the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of malaria. The condition affects the brain and can lead to coma, seizures, permanent neurological damage, and death if treatment is delayed.

Health officials have urged residents in the affected villages to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, chills, severe headache, confusion, convulsions, or unconsciousness . They have also advised people to use mosquito nets, eliminate stagnant water around homes, and follow other mosquito control measures to curb the spread of the disease.

With the number of infections continuing to rise, the district administration has intensified its response, hoping that early detection, timely treatment, and preventive interventions will help contain the outbreak before it spreads to more areas.