Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared a health emergency in Guntur district on Friday after a mysterious illness led to at least 20 deaths in two months.
Naidu directed a high-level investigation into the deaths, following which a team led by Dr Raghunandan, Director of Medical Education, visited Turakapalem village.
The chief minister advised people suffering from any undiagnosed illness to seek hospital admission without delay, and that everyone should get medical tests done, including kidney function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Naidu instructed the authorities to prepare health profiles of the locals, and conduct health camps on Saturday and Sunday.
CM Naidu further advised Health officials to seek help from AIIMS Mangalagiri and international medical experts, if needed.
Bacterial infection suspected
Health experts suspect Melioidosis, a bacterial infection, as the ‘culprit’ based on preliminary lab reports.
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that spreads during the monsoon season and at times of flooding.
The symptoms include fever and cough, and can cause severe damage in the lung.
Though it can turn serious, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
According to district officials, most of the victims so far are men around 55 years of age, all with pre-existing health issues.
Since there is a high possibility of the suspected bacterial infection spreading through drinking water, food items, and even through the air, officials have been asked to be vigilant 24/7.
As an immediate step, CM Naidu has directed Health officials to supply protected drinking water in the village.
