No new deaths in Salumber in last 24 hours, probe underway

Jaipur: No new deaths have been reported in Salumber district in the past 24 hours, even as health officials continue to probe the cause behind seven child deaths since April 1, with viral encephalitis suspected but unconfirmed.Officials said on Thursday passed without any fatalities. Of the seven deaths, five occurred at home or enroute to hospital, one followed voluntary discharge by family, and one at RNT Medical College. Lasadiya block, particularly Ghata sector and Lalpura village, remains worst affected. Sixteen teams surveyed 352 houses, identifying four suspected encephalitis cases; two were referred to hospitals. Authorities are also examining mosquito-borne transmission. Anti-larval measures were undertaken at 122 sites and fogging in 29 areas. Three malaria cases were detected and treated. Across the district, 377 teams surveyed 5,590 houses, identifying 189 symptomatic persons. Of these, 22 were referred and 154 treated on the spot. The source of infection remains under investigation. TNN