Child dies, 70 fall ill after taking malaria tablets in Andhra village

A tragic incident unfolded in Polavaram district, Andhra Pradesh, when a seven-year-old girl succumbed to illness after consuming chloroquine tablets during an anti-malaria drive. Over 70 villagers subsequently fell ill following their ingestion of the tablets. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed a thorough investigation into the matter, urging senior medical and health officials to expedite their response.

The chloroquine tablets were distributed in Gollaguppa village last week as part of a fever-surveillance campaign, prompted by a rise in malaria cases. District Collector K Dinesh Kumar revealed that two villagers tested positive for malaria, triggering the distribution of the tablets. Tragically, the young girl experienced a severe drop in blood glucose levels after taking the tablet, leading to her loss of consciousness and eventual death.

Upon admission to a primary health centre, the girl was subsequently transferred to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital in Telangana for specialized care. Despite the efforts of medical teams, she could not be saved. Among those affected are at least 15 children, with all patients currently stable. In a precautionary measure, 54 individuals from Gollaguppa were taken to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital, with 53 — comprising 48 children and five adults — receiving ongoing treatment. Their health conditions are reported to be stable, with no critical or dangerous situations.

The chloroquine tablets were administered within age-appropriate doses, adhering to departmental protocols, and quality-control tests yielded satisfactory results. However, the specific batch administered in Gollaguppa has been dispatched to the Vizag Forensic Laboratory for further analysis. Three special rapid-response medical teams have arrived in Bhadrachalam, comprising medical professionals to treat the affected individuals.

District officials are conducting comprehensive health profiles of around 270 residents of Gollaguppa, including blood tests to identify potential health conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia, and comorbidities. Medical teams are diligently monitoring the health of those affected and providing appropriate medical care, assuring the public that the situation is being handled with utmost seriousness.