Puri girl succumbs to scalp, skull infection linked to prolonged lice infestation

A Class 6 student died while undergoing treatment after a severe lice infestation reportedly led to a serious scalp and skull infection in Odisha’s Puri district, raising concerns over delayed medical attention and lack of early intervention.

The incident occurred at Champagada Sahi under Balanga police station limits. The deceased girl, Lakshmipriya, was the daughter of Lingaraj Sahu and was studying in Class 6 at the time of her death.

Prolonged Lice Infestation

According to family members, Lakshmipriya was suffering from a severe lice infestation on her scalp for the past few months. Despite repeated attempts at treatment, her condition reportedly did not improve. Her mother, Satyabhama Sahu, had advised her to tonsure her head as a preventive measure, but the child did not agree.

Over time, the infestation is said to have worsened, with the lice reportedly affecting her scalp and skull. Family members stated that Lakshmipriya began avoiding going outside due to a foul smell from her head. As she kept her hair tied and covered, the seriousness of the condition went unnoticed by the family.

Sudden Deterioration And Hospitalisation

Three days before her death, Lakshmipriya reportedly began vomiting blood. Alarmed by her condition, the family rushed her to Puri Medical College and Hospital for treatment. However, despite medical intervention, she died on Saturday night while undergoing treatment.

Speaking about the incident, Lakshmipriya’s mother Satyabhama Sahu said, “She kept her head covered and did not show it to us after the lice infestation. When she complained of vomiting blood initially, I thought it might be because she was not bathing properly. After she started bathing regularly, the vomiting seemed to stop.”

Questions Over Early Intervention

Social worker Parbati Behera raised concerns over the lack of attention to the child’s condition. “The teachers at her school should have noticed when she started covering her head regularly. They should have looked into the matter and called her mother for a discussion. Had timely steps been taken, the child might have been alive today,” she said.

The incident has drawn attention to the need for early detection, awareness and timely medical care in such cases, particularly involving children.