A state-level investigation confirmed that Falciparum Malaria led to the recent deaths of children in Ghata Gram Panchayat, Udaipur. The report highlights that many of the affected children were treated by unqualified practitioners instead of government health centers, worsening the situation in this tribal area. This severe form of malaria can be deadly.

A health department official stated, "We sent teams to Udaipur’s affected areas. They returned with a report confirming that seven children died of Falciparum Malaria in the Ghata Panchayat area. None of these children received treatment from government facilities." 

Following a report by TOI titled "Mystery Illness Claims Lives of 17 Kids in 30 Days in Rajasthan"  on October 29, the health department officially confirmed the outbreak in Udaipur's Kotra area.

However, Ghata Panchayat sarpanch Nika Ram Garasiya claimed that the actual death toll stands at 17. Health officials dispute this number, noting that some deaths occurred before the reported outbreak period. 

Risks of Falciparum Malaria

• Symptoms: Typical symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea. 
• Complications: Falciparum malaria can escalate within 12-24 hours, leading to severe symptoms like confusion, extreme weakness, and drowsiness.  
• Advanced Cases: Untreated cases may result in critical conditions such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, kidney failure, hypoglycemia, and even death. 

The report highlights that in the remote and tribal-dominated areas of Udaipur, many people rely on unauthorized healthcare providers. Due to limited access to healthcare facilities and low literacy levels, local communities often turn to unqualified practitioners, posing a significant risk in treating severe illnesses like falciparum malaria.

Source: Media Reports