Home / Health / Malaria Drug Kills Girl, Sickens 52 in India
Malaria Drug Kills Girl, Sickens 52 in India
2 Sep
Summary
- A seven-year-old girl died after taking malaria medication.
- 51 other villagers, including 46 children, fell ill.
- The drug Chloroquine was administered for malaria prevention.
A routine medical camp in Gollaguppa village, Andhra Pradesh, turned tragic on September 1, 2026, when a seven-year-old girl, Madivi Jamuna, died after taking Chloroquine tablets. In total, 52 villagers, including 47 children, became ill. Twenty-three children were transferred to Bhadrachalam Area Hospital for specialized care.
The Chloroquine tablets were administered as a preventative measure against malaria, a prevalent disease in the region. Malaria, particularly cerebral malaria caused by P. falciparum, has historically affected the tribal hamlets, with significant case numbers reported in recent years in the Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts.
Experts emphasize that Chloroquine has a narrow therapeutic index, making it a 'lifesaver and also a life taker' if not administered correctly. Improper dosing, especially on an empty stomach or in malnourished children, can lead to severe adverse effects, including cardiac arrest.
Authorities are investigating the specific batch of Chloroquine administered, considering factors like quality, expiry dates, and storage conditions, as potential causes for the widespread illness. Chemical analysis of the batch has been recommended.
