0
0
Araria, Bihar – A wave of grief and concern has swept through the small village of Raniganj in Bihar’s Araria district, as three children tragically lost their lives to a mysterious fever within the span of three days. The deaths have sparked fears and speculation among the villagers, who suspect that the children may have succumbed to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), commonly known as ‘Chamki Bukhar’ or brain fever.
The deceased children have been identified as Raunak Kumar, aged 4, Ankush Kumar, a mere 2 months old, and Gauri Kumar, aged 7. Raunak passed away on Saturday, followed by Ankush on Sunday, and Gauri on Monday. The sudden deaths of these young children have left the community in shock and seeking answers.
Family members of the deceased have voiced their concerns, claiming that the children exhibited symptoms associated with AES before their untimely deaths. The illness, which typically manifests during the monsoon season in Bihar, is known to cause inflammation of the brain, leading to seizures, coma, and often, death. However, the district administration has urged caution, stating that the exact cause of death remains undetermined.
In response to the tragic events, the District Magistrate (DM) of Araria, Inayat Khan, confirmed the deaths and emphasized that the district’s medical experts are actively investigating the situation. “Yes, it is true that three children died in Raniganj village in the last three days. The family members have said that the children were suffering from cough and cold and pneumonia-like symptoms,” the DM stated.
To address the growing concern, a team of medical experts has been dispatched to Raniganj to conduct a thorough analysis. The team is tasked with identifying other children in the village who may be experiencing similar symptoms and ensuring they receive prompt medical attention. The district’s civil surgeon is closely monitoring the situation, with additional support from the local health authorities.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of death remains elusive, as the family members have already performed the last rites for the deceased children, making it difficult to conduct post-mortem examinations. Despite this setback, the DM assured that medical teams are working diligently to uncover the underlying cause of the illness. “The doctors are constantly monitoring the conditions of three more children from the same village who were admitted to the government hospital with pneumonia-like symptoms. We are keeping a close watch on the situation, and the reason behind the children’s death can only be known after medical experts submit their reports,” Khan added.
As the village mourns the loss of these young lives, there is an urgent call for increased vigilance and medical intervention to prevent further tragedies. The incident has also reignited concerns about the recurring threat of AES in Bihar, a condition that has claimed numerous lives in previous years.
The local administration, along with the health department, is expected to release further updates as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, the residents of Raniganj village remain on edge, hoping for swift action and clear answers in the wake of this devastating incident.
