Chhattisgarh malaria outbreak claims student lives, dozens infected

A surge in malaria cases across Chhattisgarh has affected thousands of residents this year. In the Korba district, two students from separate hostels died after contracting the disease and more than 11 other students tested positive. The state health department responded by setting up medical camps in the affected hostels to test and treat students.

In the Bastar region, the outbreak is larger, with 8,426 reported cases since January 2026. Three schoolchildren have died, including 9‑year‑old Subhash Kumeti of the Mardapoti children’s shelter in Kanekar district. Health checks between 22‑24 July found nine children malaria‑positive, two of whom are in serious condition. The department continues a 14th‑phase "Malaria‑Free Bastar" campaign, but distribution of medicated mosquito nets has stalled since 2024 despite allocated funds, hampering prevention efforts.