Polavaram: A seven-year-old girl died and 53 people, including 48 children, fell ill after taking chloroquine tablets during a malaria prevention programme at Gollaguppa village in Yetapaka mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram district.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening after health officials conducted fever surveillance and a medical camp in the village, where malaria cases had reportedly been detected.
Girl dies after taking three tablets
According to district officials, 71 people with malaria symptoms were administered age-specific doses of chloroquine. Among them was seven-year-old Madivi Jamuna, who reportedly took three tablets.
After returning home, Jamuna developed vomiting and later became unconscious. She was taken to hospitals in Lakshmipuram and Bhadrachalam, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Officials said 53 people who developed complications were admitted to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital. Most experienced nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. Seven patients tested positive for malaria and were kept under observation.
Cause of death yet to be established
Officials said the exact cause of Jamuna’s death remains under investigation. Doctors have raised the possibility of an underlying hereditary cardiac condition and said chloroquine may have triggered a cardiac arrhythmia if such a condition existed.
Two other children from Jamuna’s family, both below one year old, had reportedly died earlier from unidentified causes, prompting doctors to examine the possibility of a genetic disorder.
Samples from the chloroquine batch used during the camp have been sent to a forensic laboratory in Visakhapatnam for testing. The collector said preliminary quality-control tests of the medicine were satisfactory and that the tablets were administered according to malaria-control protocols.
Medical teams deployed in village
Three specialised Rapid Response medical teams from Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram and Vijayawada have been deployed to assist with treatment and monitoring.
Authorities are also preparing health profiles of around 270 Gollaguppa residents, including screening for sickle-cell anaemia, other disorders and co-morbidities.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the situation and directed officials to ensure medical and relief measures. Authorities have urged residents not to panic while investigations continue.