Shivpuri: Four boys from the same family died within 10 days after several relatives reportedly fell ill following a visit to a waterfall in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district. Three of the deceased were brothers, while the fourth was reportedly the son of a relative.
Around 16 family members and relatives had visited the waterfall on August 16. After returning home, several people reportedly developed fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Four deaths leave family devastated
The condition of a 14-year-old boy deteriorated first, and he died despite receiving treatment. Subsequently, 19-year-old Ayaz and two other children also fell seriously ill and died.
The deaths occurring one after another within a short period alerted the health department and district administration. However, officials have not yet established that the illness or deaths were caused by the waterfall water.
A health department team visited the family and collected samples from affected relatives and people living nearby. Officials are also examining the treatment received by the deceased and other possible causes of the illness.
Water samples sent for examination
Additional District Magistrate Dinesh Chand Shukla said samples had been collected from around 62 people who had visited the waterfall. Officials have also collected samples of the waterfall water for testing.
During the investigation, authorities learnt that three girls were also unwell. They were subsequently shifted to Gwalior for treatment.
The district administration has provided financial assistance to the affected family, officials said.
The exact cause of the illness and deaths will be known only after the medical and laboratory reports are received. Until then, the reported connection between the waterfall visit and the deaths remains unconfirmed.
The incident has nevertheless raised concern over the health risks that can arise when groups develop similar symptoms after visiting a common location.