Adhi Andhrawada and Arunthathiar Colony are two Dalit pockets with a population of over 600, near Kanagamma Chatram adjacent to Andhra Pradesh.
There was an eerie silence at the villages following the deaths of children due to a mysterious fever.
It all began a fortnight ago when a boy died in Adhi Andhrawada. A few others developed fever and pain in joints.
They underwent treatment at the primary health centre.
However, the number of infected persons increased over the next two weeks.
On Thursday, Santhosh, a five-year-old boy, died after contracting fever, according to the villagers. His mother, a daily wage labourer, broke down inconsolably, when The Hindu spoke to her.
Sesheamma, agricultural labour and mother of another boy, Mohan, said: “We thought it was slight fever. We took him to the nearest hospital on Monday. My son was not able to take food and began vomiting whatever he ate. He died this morning at the hospital in spite of treatment by doctors. I am extremely worried about how we are going to save other children.”
Other villagers are living in constant fear that the fever may cause more deaths in the village.
D. Mani, a villager, claimed: “We are not sure whether the mysterious fever may affect elders too.”
The district administration and Health Department officials have launched measures such as fogging and supplying cholorinated water. A government school has been converted into a temporary health camp.
“We are not sure whether the mysterious fever may affect elders too,” said villagers
