JAIPUR: The death of a two-year-old boy on Sunday, 17th of its kind in 30 days from a mystery illness, in tribal-dominated Kotra area of Udaipur district, put the Rajasthan health department in a state of panic.
"The two-year-old was suffering from fever, cold and cough. He died within two to three days of onset of symptoms. This is what is happening in the village since the last 30 days. The village has lost 17 children. Within three to four days of falling ill, children have died," Nika Ram Garasiya, sarpanch of Ghata panchayat, where the deaths have occurred, told TOI. He said he reported the deaths to the health department, after which official teams reached the village.
The health department suspects seasonal diseases may have caused the mortalities due to inadequate or improper treatment.
Dr Shankar Lal Bamaniya, Udaipur chief medical health officer, said, "Our teams are investigating the reason behind the illness. They will prepare a factual report and provide treatment to the sick children."
Ghata panchayat is situated close to the Gujarat border. Often, villagers seek treatment there. The health department said it is gathering details of each child who died, and the doctors who treated them.
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