Jamshedpur: A cerebral malaria outbreak in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district has claimed the lives of three children in the past 48 hours, raising concerns over the spread of the mosquito-borne disease in the region. More than 20 patients have been admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur, with several reported to be in critical condition.
The outbreak has been reported from Potka block, where health authorities have intensified surveillance, door-to-door screening and medical assistance across nine affected villages. Special medical camps have also been set up to identify new cases and provide timely treatment.
District Surveillance Officer Dr. Asad said that malaria and cerebral malaria cases have increased sharply since the onset of the monsoon. He confirmed the deaths of three children and urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, seizures or unconsciousness.
The deceased have been identified as Lakkhi Sardar, a Class VII student of PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Residential School, Rahul Sardar (8) from Daudrodia village, and Subola Sardar (8) from Kandar village.
Subola’s one-year-old sister, Khushboo Sardar, has also been diagnosed with cerebral malaria and is currently on ventilator support in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at MGM Hospital.
Health officials have detected more than 14 new cases during large-scale screening, including three students from Kasturba Gandhi School and a nine-month-old infant from the Sabar tribal community. So far, medical teams have screened over 600 residents in the affected villages.
Meanwhile, the district administration has sealed a private clinic in Potka following allegations of medical negligence in the treatment of one of the deceased children. Preliminary findings suggest that despite showing clear symptoms of cerebral malaria, the patient did not receive appropriate treatment. A show-cause notice has been issued to the clinic operator, and an investigation is underway.
Cerebral malaria is one of the most severe complications of malaria and can rapidly become fatal if not treated promptly. Health officials have advised people in the affected areas to use mosquito protection measures, eliminate stagnant water around their homes and seek immediate medical care if malaria-like symptoms appear.
