Child dies, 70 fall ill after taking malaria tablets in Andhra village

“She was shifted to the nearby Primary Health Centre and subsequently to the Bhadrachalam Area Hospital for advanced medical care. She unfortunately passed away,” he said.

At least 15 children are among those who fell ill. “All the other patients are stable and there is no need to worry. Blood samples have been sent for tests,” Kumar said.

The village is located on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border. Kumar said 54 people from Gollaguppa had been taken to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital as a precautionary measure. Of them, 53 — 48 children and five adults — are undergoing treatment.

“Their health condition is stable, and none are in a critical or dangerous state. Medical services are also being provided through a special camp for another 17 villagers, all of whom are safe,” he said.

Kumar said the chloroquine tablets had been distributed in age-appropriate doses in accordance with Medical and Health Department protocols and that quality-control tests conducted on the medication had returned satisfactory results. However, the specific batch used in the village has been sent to the Vizag Forensic Laboratory for analysis.

Three special rapid-response medical teams from Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada have arrived in Bhadrachalam. The teams, comprising assistant professors, postgraduate doctors and general physicians, are treating the affected people.

Medical teams are also preparing health profiles of around 270 residents of Gollaguppa and conducting blood tests to check for sickle cell anaemia, other health conditions and comorbidities.

Kumar urged people not to panic, saying the government was closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary medical care. He said the health of those affected was being continuously monitored and appropriate treatment provided.