Bhubaneswar, June 13: In a distressing incident, an unknown disease has claimed the lives of four children within a week in Rayagada district, Odisha.

The deceased victims have been identified as Purni Majhi (10), Narendra Majhi (4), Dasa Majhi (10), and Kali Majhi (15), all residents of Munushpadar village under Dongasil panchayat in the Kashipur block.

Although the origin of the mysterious disease remains unknown, victims are experiencing symptoms such as a sudden burning sensation in the skin, swelling of the throat, and mild fever.

On Wednesday, Rayagada's Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Dr. Lalmohan Routray, stated, “We have initiated an investigation into the unknown disease. A team of doctors led by Dr. Mamata Chaudhary (Child Specialist) and an epidemiologist has been dispatched from the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) to the village to provide immediate support to the patients.”

Dr. Routray further mentioned, “A team from the World Health Organization (WHO) from Bhawanipatna has also arrived to analyze the cause of the disease. Additionally, five more patients have been admitted to the DHH in Rayagada and are currently under medical supervision. We have collected blood samples and throat swabs, along with antibody titer information, and sent them to Bhubaneswar for further investigation.”

Asu Majhi, a relative of one of the patients admitted to Rayagada Hospital, said, “For a week now, the disease has wreaked havoc in the village. Three children have died within the last week. We all depend on the waterfall for drinking water as there are no other sources.”

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