Puri: A minor girl lost her life during treatment after suffering from a severe head lice infection in Odisha’s Puri district.
The deceased has been identified as Lakshmipriya, the daughter of Lingaraj Sahu of Champagada Sahi under Balanga police limits. She was a Class 6 student.
According to sources, Lakshmipriya had been battling an extreme lice infestation that worsened over tim
e, leading to serious health complications. The girl’s condition worsened three day ago when she started vomiting blood. Her parents rushed her to the government hospital here. The infection had damaged her scalp and she was bleeding from her nose and mouth during treatment.
Despite efforts to treat her condition, she succumbed on Saturday night.
Her family members said the infestation produced a foul odour and she was reluctant to go out or attend school regularly. Although her mother suggested shaving her head, Lakshmi refused. Instead, she used to cover her head with a scrap while attending school.
According to health experts, untreated lice infestations can cause secondary infections, anaemia and other complications, particularly in children from vulnerable backgrounds.