Brain Malaria Crisis Deepens in East Singhbhum, 20 Patients Admitted in MGM Hospital

Jamshedpur: The cerebral malaria outbreak in East Singhbhum has assumed alarming proportions, with Potka block emerging as the worst-hit area. As the disease continues to spread rapidly through villages, several members of the same families have fallen ill, placing immense pressure on the region’s healthcare system.

The gravity of the situation is reflected at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College Hospital, where more than 20 patients suffering from malaria and cerebral malaria are currently undergoing treatment. Doctors have expressed concern over the increasing number of critically ill children being admitted every day.

Children battle for life in intensive care

Of the admitted patients, 15 are being treated in the Paediatrics Department, with five children in critical condition. The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are operating at full capacity as doctors work round the clock to save the young patients.

One of the most critical cases is that of one-year-old Khushbu Sardar from Potka, who has been placed on a ventilator after developing cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, seizures and respiratory distress. The tragedy has been particularly devastating for the family, as Khushbu’s elder sister, Subola Sardar, succumbed to the disease just three days ago.

Her father, Mahavir Sardar, said the family is struggling to cope after losing one daughter while desperately praying for the recovery of the younger child.

Entire families affected in Potka

The outbreak has affected several villages across Potka, with multiple members of individual families falling ill. The one-year-old son of Abhijit Bhumij from Serendih village is also battling cerebral malaria in critical condition. Abhijit himself has been suffering from high fever for several days, and doctors have advised him to undergo treatment.

Several other children from Potka, Patamda, Dumaria, Gudabanda, Chakradharpur, Gamharia, Bagbera, Chandil, Rajnagar and adjoining areas are also receiving treatment in the Pediatrics Department after testing positive for malaria.

Intensive care units under pressure

Hospital authorities said all beds in the PICU and NICU are currently occupied due to the continuous influx of critically ill patients. The hospital has only two ventilators available, making the management of severe cases increasingly challenging.

A team of senior pediatricians led by Dr. Ravindra Kumar, Head of the Pediatrics Department, along with Dr. K.K. Chaudhary, Dr. Raghavendra and Dr. Salman, is closely monitoring the condition of all critically ill patients.

Cases rise with monsoon

Doctors said the onset of the monsoon has led to a sharp increase in both ordinary malaria and cerebral malaria cases. In the last 72 hours alone, MGM Hospital has admitted 15 new malaria patients, while five additional patients are undergoing treatment in the Medicine Department.

In view of the rising caseload, the hospital has been placed on high alert, with medical teams working round the clock to manage the situation.