Patna: An unknown illness has triggered alarm in Chaudhary Tola of Jamunichak village in Patna’s Barh subdivision, where two young men have died in the past 15 days and several others have fallen ill with similar symptoms.
Residents say the condition begins abruptly with severe stomach and head pain, followed by persistent vomiting. In some cases, patients reportedly become extremely weak, their faces turning pale. Those in critical condition have been referred to hospitals in Patna for advanced treatment.
Manish and Kunal, both from the village, died during treatment, villagers said. Another youth, Jwala, reportedly collapsed while drawing water from a hand pump and remains under medical care. Three to five villagers are currently being treated in different hospitals, while others have reported milder symptoms.
In the early days of the outbreak, some residents suspected witchcraft and sought ritual remedies. However, as more people began to show symptoms, families turned to hospitals and demanded intervention from the authorities.
Rumours circulated that the illness could resemble Nipah virus, though health officials have ruled out such speculation for now. Villager Indu Devi called for a high-level inquiry, saying fear has gripped the community. “People are worried about their children’s safety. Those who died had not travelled outside the village,” she said.
Another resident, Uchit Kumar, claimed that preliminary medical reports of some patients pointed to complications involving the liver, kidneys, blood and brain. One of the deceased was also said to have suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose, though officials have not confirmed the cause.
The Civil Surgeon said that after receiving information about the situation, a medical officer from the local Primary Health Centre was sent to the village. A detailed report is awaited. An expert team led by Dr Subhash Kumar is scheduled to visit from Patna on Monday.
Officials said a definitive conclusion about the nature and cause of the illness can only be made after laboratory tests and a thorough investigation.
