Jharkhand Malaria Outbreak: 3 Children Die of Cerebral Malaria near Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur (IANS): A deadly surge of cerebral malaria has claimed the lives of at least three children within 48 hours in the Potka block of Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, health department officials confirmed Sunday.

The outbreak has triggered a severe health crisis in the region, forcing health authorities to launch a massive containment and survey operation.

Fresh cases continue to emerge from the affected villages. More than 20 patients—mostly children—are currently battling the infection at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur, with doctors reporting several in critical condition.

In response to the escalating crisis, the health department has flooded nine villages in Potka with intensive surveillance, large-scale screening drives, and immediate medical interventions.

Monsoon Sparks Influx of Cases

District Surveillance Officer Dr. Asad confirmed the children’s fatalities and noted that the onset of the monsoon has triggered an unexpected spike in malaria and cerebral malaria cases across these villages.

The deceased children include:

• Lakhkhi Sardar, a Class VII student of PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Residential School
• Rahul Sardar (8), from Daudrodia village
• Subola Sardar (8), from Kandar village

Meanwhile, the infection has also struck Subola’s one-year-old sister, Khushboo Sardar. She is currently fighting for her life on ventilator support in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at MGM Hospital.

Health Teams Launch Mass Screenings

During aggressive screening drives, medical teams detected over 14 new cases, including three students from the Kasturba Gandhi school and a nine-month-old infant from the Sabar tribal community. Special medical camps have already screened more than 600 residents in the high-risk zones.

Amid the unfolding crisis, the district administration sealed a private clinic in Potka following allegations of medical negligence in the treatment of Lakhkhi Sardar. Investigators found that the clinic failed to administer proper treatment despite the patient exhibiting clear symptoms of cerebral malaria. The administration has also issued a show-cause notice to the clinic operator.

Scarcity of Resources Raises Alarm

A high-level health department team inspected the Potka Community Health Centre and expressed deep concern over the lack of medical resources. The team immediately ordered officials to secure additional spray pumps, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, and essential life-saving medicines.

The department has now deployed personnel for a mass fever survey, door-to-door screening, and rigorous mosquito control measures across the affected areas.

Urgent Medical Advisory Issued

Medical officials urge residents to seek immediate hospital care if they or their children experience symptoms such as:

• High fever and chills
• Severe headaches and vomiting
• Unconsciousness or seizures

Health officials advise the public to use mosquito nets regularly, wear full-sleeved clothing, and eliminate stagnant water around their homes to prevent further breeding.