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Malaria Drug Mishap: Girl Dead, Dozens Sick
2 Sep
Summary
- A seven-year-old girl died after taking a malaria preventive drug.
- Fifty-two villagers, including 47 children, fell ill after medication.
- Chloroquine's narrow therapeutic index requires careful administration.
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a medical camp in Gollaguppa village, Polavaram district, turned tragic when a seven-year-old girl, Madivi Jamuna, died. By afternoon, 52 others, including 47 children, also fell ill. The cause was attributed to the administration of Chloroquine tablets, a common malaria preventive and treatment drug in the region.
Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar reported that 23 children were moved to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital for advanced care. Chloroquine is known for its narrow therapeutic index, requiring precise dosing and careful monitoring, especially for children. Improper administration can cause severe side effects, including fatalities.
Senior doctors suggest that beyond standard risk factors, the quality of the administered drug batch, including its expiry date and storage conditions, must be investigated. A chemical analysis of the batch is recommended to understand the widespread adverse reactions. This incident highlights the critical importance of stringent checks in drug administration within malaria-prone tribal areas.
