Sivaganga health authorities deploy medical camps to contain fever outbreak in villages

The health department has launched medical camps near Sivaganga after an eight-year-old girl died of suspected influenza and several others in the community developed similar fever symptoms.

The victim, a third-grade student at the Kattunedungulam Government School, developed a sudden fever last week. She was initially treated at a private hospital, but as her condition rapidly deteriorated, her family rushed her to a government hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Following the incident, local authorities found that three other children in the village had also developed fever and had missed school. Several adults in the area were also reported to be exhibiting similar symptoms.

Alerted to the situation, health department officials rushed to Kattunedungulam and set up medical camps, distributed treatment and collected blood samples from children for testing. In coordination with the local panchayat administration, workers also carried out intensive sanitation drives, including spraying disinfectants across the village.

Medical teams were also dispatched to the neighbouring village of Sundaranadappu after reports emerged that viral fever was spreading there as well.

District Health Officer Meenakshi confirmed that preliminary tests indicated that the deceased child was infected with the influenza virus.

“Preliminary examinations revealed that the deceased child was affected by the influenza virus. However, we are investigating whether she had any other underlying conditions,” Dr. Meenakshi said.

“The other children are currently in stable condition. Nonetheless, our medical teams are stationed in the village and are actively executing preventive measures to contain the fever.”