Patna

Five children in Araria district of Bihar have died from an unknown illness in the past week. The Health Department has responded with several measures to control the situation. The deceased include children aged 3 months to 8 years from Chirwa Rahika Tower Tola in Raniganj block.

One child is being treated at Sadar Hospital in Araria, while three others are under care at Purnea Medical College and Hospital. They are recovering. Bleaching powder has been used to disinfect the affected village, and a health team has been deployed. Blood samples have been collected to identify the cause, with Chikungunya suspected, though confirmation is pending.

A medical team from Patna, along with district officers, is investigating. Mosquitoes and larvae have been collected for analysis. Ambulances are on standby for emergencies. The situation is being monitored due to recent deaths from vector-borne diseases in the state.