Mysterious illness claims 12 lives in Gujarat

After heavy rains, a strange fever has claimed the lives of 12 people in Gujarat‘s Kutch area, including four children. The area, which is known for its severe weather, is currently dealing with a health issue that is causing anxiety for the local government and the citizens.
Twelve persons have passed away in a matter of days in the Lakhpat taluka of Gujarat’s Kutch district, as per PTI.There are four youngsters under the age of twelve among the victims. These fatalities happened soon after the region had intense rainfall, raising fears of a possible health emergency. Although the precise source of the fever is yet unknown, local officials have determined that pneumonitis, a lung infection that causes breathing difficulties, is the leading cause of death.
Members of the district panchayat in the area are worried that the fever that is killing these people has not yet been properly diagnosed by medical professionals, according to media reports. Residents are experiencing severe worry as a result of the symptoms. The symptoms include a high fever and breathing difficulties. Medical professionals have ruled out common infections like H1N1, swine flu, malaria, dengue, and Crimean-Congo fever.

In response to the fatalities, medical services in Lakhpat have been significantly intensified. Kutch Collector Amit Arora confirmed that 22 health surveillance teams, along with doctors, have been deployed to the affected areas. Samples from residents are being collected to investigate the outbreak further. Authorities are working with rapid response teams from Rajkot’s PDU Medical College to ensure no potential cause is overlooked.

Is it suspected to be Pneumonitis?

The exact cause of the outbreak remains uncertain. Officials believe pneumonitis may be responsible for the deaths. Pneumonitis is an inflammation of lung tissue that can result from infections, allergies, or environmental factors. There is no evidence of contamination in the area, nor does the disease appear to be communicable.

What are the efforts to prevent further tragedy?

Various safeguarding measures have been put in place by health officials to guarantee the citizens’ safety. To handle the issue, medical services have been increased. Several teams from the health department are actively working in the area. It is advised that residents get medical assistance if they have a temperature or have trouble breathing. There is continuous work to determine the reason for the high fever and proper treatment measures are implemented.