Mysterious Disease Outbreak in This State: Death toll Rises to 20, Health Department on High Alert

Hyderabad(The Uttam Hindu): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared a health emergency in a village in Guntur district after at least 20 people died of a "mysterious disease" in the last two months. The government has rushed high-level medical teams to investigate the matter.Health officials said a team led by Director of Medical Education Dr Raghunandan visited Turakapalem village for a thorough investigation.

While investigations continue, officials suspect a bacterial infection called melioidosis. This suspicion is based on preliminary laboratory reports that confirmed two cases of this infection in villagers.

Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection

Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is commonly found in soil and stagnant water, especially during monsoon and flood seasons. Though it is treatable with a long course of antibiotics, timely diagnosis is extremely important.

A comprehensive health check-up of all 2,500 residents has been ordered

A comprehensive health check-up of all 2,500 residents has been ordered, including checks of kidney function, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as melioidosis affects individuals with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes.