Encephalitis claims two more lives, toll mounts to 67

Malkangiri: The toll due to Japanese Encephalitis went up to 67 with two more deaths at the district headquarters hospital Sunday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Rita Madkami (4) of Bamabeda under Korukonda block and Swati Hantal (2) of Lamataguda in Khairaput.

With this fresh two deaths, the toll reached 67 in 45 days.

On Saturday, three children died while undergoing treatment at the Malkangiri district headquarters hospital (DHH). The deceased were identified as Sujit Betti (2) of Uskapalli village and Sunki Padiami (3) of Maharampali under Kalimela block and Gayatri Peda (4) of Sindhiguda village under Mathili block.

A six-member central doctors’ team had visited the affected areas in the district to review the situation there.

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The team is examining the cause of the spread of the vector-borne disease and how to contain the JE fever. On Friday, the team visited Palakonda, Babli and Koimetla villages. Prior to their visit, the team visited the district headquarters hospital to inspect the health condition of the patients and also held long discussions with the hospital staff.