Five Dead from Mysterious Illness in Araria’s Raniganj Block: Panic Grips Majhua Panchayat

Araria: A mysterious illness has claimed the lives of five people, including three children and two elderly residents, in Majhua Panchayat’s Ward Nos. 10 and 13 in the Raniganj block area of Araria district, Bihar. The victims reportedly suffered from fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and body tremors before succumbing to the illness.

The deceased have been identified as Raunak Kumar, the three-year-old son of Arvind Rishi Dev; Ankush Kumar, the two-month-old son of Nand Kumar Rishi Dev; Gauri Kumari, the eight-year-old daughter of Munna Rishi Dev; Sharma Devi, 58, wife of Agam Lal Paswan; and Ramu Sharma, 62, son of Anoop Lal Sharma. All were residents of Chirwaha village in Majhua Panchayat.

Local villagers reported that more than half a dozen other children are currently suffering from similar symptoms. On Tuesday, a health department team conducted a health scan of the sick children at the primary school in Chirwaha Rahika, located within Majhua Panchayat. Following the screening, three children were transferred to Sadar Hospital for advanced medical care.

The sudden deaths have sparked widespread panic among the residents of Majhua Panchayat, with many fearful of the mysterious illness. Family members of Raunak Kumar, one of the deceased children, expressed their shock and confusion, stating that the child suddenly developed cold symptoms, followed by fainting and tremors, leading to his untimely death.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Civil Surgeon Dr. KK Kashyap visited the village to assess the situation. “Five people have died, and we are conducting investigations to determine the cause of this illness,” Dr. Kashyap stated. He added that, based on preliminary observations, the symptoms appear consistent with Chamki fever, though a definitive diagnosis will only be made after further testing.