What happened in Balaghat district (Madhya Pradesh)?
Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh reported deaths of seven tribal children and illness affecting about 100 children in villages of the Baiga community over roughly 45 days. District officials attributed the cluster to monsoon-related diseases, including skin infections, and also pointed to limited accessibility in remote areas and reliance on ritualistic or faith healing.
Officials reported that around five Baiga villages saw about 100 cases among children aged 1 to 13 years since June. Reported symptoms included high fever, stomach infections, and rashes/spotting.
Villages mentioned by authorities included Bondari, Adori, Machhurda, Korka, and Kundekasa in Baihar tehsil, about 85 km from the district hospital.
Balaghat Additional Collector Abhishek Saraf stated that 24 children were under treatment at district and civil hospitals and 76 had recovered. Saraf also stated that the administration learned of the problem only after three children had died. The first reported death was on 26 June in Bondari village.
Background: access gaps and delayed care-seeking
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