Four Children Die in Jharkhand Cerebral Malaria Outbreak, 45 Hospitalised

Four children have died of cerebral malaria in the last four days in Potka block of Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district , prompting the district administration to intensify containment measures as dozens of others remain under treatment.

According to district health officials, 45 people have been admitted to hospitals with cerebral malaria. Authorities have divided the affected Potka block into 10 sectors and deployed medical teams to monitor the situation, treat patients, and prevent further spread of the disease.

District Civil Surgeon Dr Sahir Pall said that besides providing treatment, the administration has launched a large-scale awareness campaign, along with fogging and bleaching powder spraying in affected villages to control mosquito breeding.

On Monday alone, health workers screened 464 residents , with 28 testing positive for malaria in Potka block. All those diagnosed are receiving treatment. At present, four patients are admitted to Potka Hospital , while 41 others are undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital , with officials stating that all patients are in stable condition.

The first case of cerebral malaria was reported at the Kasturba Gandhi Residential School , where a dedicated medical team has been stationed to monitor students and contain the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Ranjan visited MGM Hospital and Sadar Hospital, interacted with the families of patients, and directed doctors to ensure timely and adequate treatment.

Local MLA Sanjeev Sardar also met affected families and urged the administration to take all necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.

Health officials said medical teams are conducting door-to-door visits in the affected villages, screening residents, distributing medicines, and urging people to use mosquito nets and adopt preventive measures against mosquito bites as surveillance continues across the region.