A disease cocktail killed 32 children in an MP district. The story of Patient No. 32

On August 29, 2021, Kajal Saiyyam became Patient Number 32, the final victim among 32 children who died in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh due to a combination of diseases. The 10-year-old girl, known for her exceptional intellect, had delivered an impressive Independence Day speech at her school earlier that year. Kajal's life abruptly ended after experiencing fever, rashes, red spots, stomach pain, and ulcers.

The 32 victims, aged between 1 and 13 years, all reported similar symptoms after being exposed to measles, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. The outbreak occurred in the tribal villages of Birsa and Baihar blocks, inhabited primarily by the Gond and Baiga communities. The health department's disease surveillance system failed to identify the first few infections, as there were no public health laboratories and crucial posts such as district epidemiologist and microbiologist were vacant.

The investigation by the National Joint Outbreak Response Team found that the district lacked proper systems and personnel to respond effectively to the outbreak. The state government subsequently took action, suspending vaccination and malaria control officers, mobilizing health workers to vaccinate 40,000 children, identifying over 8,000 patients, and admitting 745 to hospitals.

Despite these efforts, the gaps in manpower and infrastructure continue to pose challenges in controlling the spread of infections in the region.