What happened in Baiga villages of Balaghat (child deaths and monsoon illnesses)
Balaghat district authorities reported a cluster of illness among Baiga children during the monsoon period, along with child deaths in the community. Officials stated that seven children from the Baiga tribal community died and around 100 children in some villages fell ill over roughly 45 days due to monsoon-related diseases, including skin infections, in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district.
Officials reported the following scale and location:
About five Baiga villages reported approximately 100 cases among children aged 1–13 years since June.Reported symptoms included high fever, stomach infections, and rashes/spots.Reportedly affected villages in Baihar tehsil included Bondari, Adori, Machhurda, Korka, and Kundekasa.Reportedly, the affected villages were about 85 km from the district hospital.
Treatment status and timing reported by district authorities:
Balaghat Additional Collector Abhishek Saraf said 24 children were undergoing treatment at district and civil hospitals.76 children had reportedly recovered.Authorities became aware after three children died; the first death occurred on June 26 in Bondari village.