Youth dies, six under observation after mysterious illness grips Sukma village

Raipur: As fear over Indore death grips the country an unknown fear has gripped Potkapalli village in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district after a youth died of an unknown illness and at least six others were found with similar symptoms, prompting the district administration to dispatch an emergency medical team on Wednesday.Health officials said that six villagers—including a woman—are suffering from swelling in their hands and feet, fatigue and general weakness. All six have been placed under observation and referred to Sukma district hospital for further medical evaluation, while a medical camp has also been set up at the village.The deceased was identified as Vetti Muda, who was taken to Potkapalli sub-health centre on Tuesday after his health deteriorated suddenly. He was referred to the Konta community health centre and then to a higher medical facility, but died on the way.Taking note of the situation, Sukma Collector Amit Kumar instructed health officials to immediately set up a medical camp in the affected village. A team of doctors and paramedics has reached Potkapalli and begun door-to-door screening, interacting with the family of the deceased and examining villagers with early symptoms.The health teams are checking water sources, sanitation conditions and food supplies in the village while also collecting samples for lab testing.Health teams have started collecting blood samples and carrying out diagnostic tests to determine whether the symptoms point to a viral infection, toxicity, dietary deficiency or any waterborne disease."It's too early to determine the cause of the illness. All possibilities are being investigated," Dr Rudramani Vaishnav, a physician with the Sukma health department told reporters.Residents of Potkapalli told officials that several villagers had been feeling unwell for days, with swelling, tiredness and weakness becoming common. The sudden death of Vetti Muda has heightened their fears.