Mysterious Kidney Infection Claims 7 Children in Chhindwara, MP; Administration on High Alert

Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh (The Uttam Hindu): A mysterious illness has thrown the health department and local administration in Chhindwara district into panic. Over the past 22 days, seven children have died due to kidney infections, creating widespread fear in the affected areas. The latest victim, 4-year-old Vikas Yaduvanshi from Dighwani village, passed away on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nagpur.

Authorities report that most of these kidney infection cases have been recorded in areas about 55 kilometers from the district headquarters, particularly around Tamia and nearby Koelanchal regions. Several other children are currently under treatment in private hospitals in Chhindwara and Nagpur.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav spoke to District Magistrate Shailendra Singh over the phone to assess the situation and instructed that affected children receive the best possible treatment. The DM confirmed that government doctors have been instructed to remain fully active and provide immediate medical attention to children showing infection symptoms. He added,

"Severe cases will be referred immediately to AIIMS Nagpur for advanced treatment. If required, the 'PM Shri Air Ambulance Service' of Madhya Pradesh will also be utilized."

Dr. Deepak Patel, pediatric specialist at the district hospital, confirmed that all victims were aged 1 to 7 years. To identify the exact cause, a team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has surveyed the affected areas and collected samples for testing. A separate team from the state health department has also collected water samples from homes, which have been sent to a lab in Pune for analysis. The final report is expected to reveal the true cause of these deaths.

Early symptoms of the illness include high fever and difficulty urinating. The first suspected case was reported on August 24, and the first death occurred on September 7. Currently, three children in Chhindwara and four in Nagpur are undergoing treatment, and authorities have stated that their condition is stable.

The district administration continues to monitor the situation closely, while public health advisories have been issued to ensure early detection and treatment of the infection.