SUKMA: A mysterious disease has triggered concern in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, where 13 people have reportedly died in a month. Authorities have launched an investigation and collected blood samples from 80 residents for laboratory analysis.
The outbreak has been reported in Dhanikorta, a small village near the Odisha border. Almost every household in the village has been affected. The exact cause of these deaths remains unknown, but victims reportedly experienced severe chest pain and persistent coughing before succumbing to the illness.
Health department officials have reached the village and are examining the affected areas. A medical camp has been set up to conduct health screenings for local residents. As part of the investigation, 80 blood samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing. The outbreak has left villagers in a state of fear and uncertainty.
However, Sukma Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Kapil Dev Kashyap, stated that only five deaths have been officially recorded in recent times. He mentioned that three individuals died at the district hospital due to age-related illnesses, while the causes of two other deaths are still under investigation.
Officials suspect that seasonal factors, including the ongoing mahua harvest and environmental changes, might be contributing to health issues in the region. Many villagers spend long hours in forests collecting mahua, which could be affecting their well-being. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the outbreak.