Andhra Pradesh probes girl's death after malaria prevention drive

Health officials in Andhra Pradesh are investigating the death of a seven-year-old girl following a malaria prevention and fever surveillance exercise in Gollaguppa village, Polavaram district. The incident occurred on September 1 after health teams administered 300 mg of chloroquine as chemoprophylaxis to 71 individuals.

Approximately two and a half hours after consuming the medication, the girl, identified as Madivi Jamuna, experienced an unexpected clinical deterioration. Despite resuscitation efforts at the Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre, she passed away.

In addition to the fatality, 52 villagers have fallen ill. Of these, 28 were transferred to Bhadrachalam Government Hospital and 24 were admitted to the Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre. Polavaram District Collector K Dinesh Kumar stated that the condition of those receiving treatment is currently stable and out of danger.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the death. A nine-member specialist team from Kakinada Government General Hospital has been deployed to the village, with additional medical teams expected from Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram to assist.