7-yr-old dies, 52 hospitalised after chloroquine tablets given to students in Andhra
Tablets administered to 71 students at primary school in Gollaguppa village as part of malaria prevention measures; a probe has been ordered
A seven-year-old girl died, and 52 others were hospitalised, allegedly after they were administered chloroquine tablets, used for treating malaria. The incident took place in Polavaram district, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday (September 2).
The tablets were distributed at a primary school in Gollaguppa village of the district. The deceased was a class II student. After they fell ill, the students were initially rushed to the primary health centre at Lakshmipuram, from where they were later taken to Bhadrachalam area hospital in Telangana. They developed symptoms reportedly linked to the consumption of chloroquine tablets.
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According to a report in the Times of India, officials said while most of the students were in stable condition, some are under observation. The report further stated that senior officials have rushed to the spot following the incident.
Chloroquine given to 71 students
Elaborating further, Chinturu assistant tribal welfare officer, Tulasi Das that the chloroquine tablets were administered to 71 students of the primary school in Gollaguppa village at around 3.30 pm on Tuesday in a bid to prevent malaria.
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However, after returning home, several students started vomiting and developed other symptoms. Since the school is located in a remote area where it’s difficult for ambulances to reach, parents took the children on tractors and motorcycles to a nearby junction, Bandirevu, from where they were shifted to the PHC at Lakshmipuram and later to the area hospital at Bhadrachalam.
"The health condition of the patients currently undergoing treatment is stable. There is no need for people to panic," District Collector Dinesh Kumar said as quoted in media reports.
Medical teams sent to village
The district administration has sent specialist medical teams to the village after the incident. The teams include three paediatricians. A medical camp has also been arranged, while the affected patients are being monitored by health officials, reported NDTV.
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A nine-member specialist team from Kakinada Government General Hospital has already reached the village. Three additional teams from Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram and Kakinada are expected to join the team there.
CM orders treatment, probe
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure that those affected receive the best possible treatment. He has also ordered an investigation into the incident.
Naidu spoke to senior officials of the health department and the district collector to seek details about what happened. He was also briefed about the treatment being given to the patients and their present health condition.