Chennai: Another incident of deaths following ‘mystery fever’ was reported in the city with three children — two of who were siblings — died in a city hospital between Friday morning and midnight. Fathima (6) and Mohammed (4), siblings from Pozhichalur, were admitted to the Institute of Child Health and Children’s Hospital (ICH), Egmore, on Thursday.
“They were brought in with high grade fever, which was initially treated locally. When they arrived at the hospital, they had no pulse, and their blood pressure was not recordable. They were in severe shock,” said Dr S. Srinivasan, nodal officer, Neonatal Critical Care Unit, and Registrar, ICH.
Similar was the case with Lakshita (6)- from Maduravoyal - who was admitted early on Friday morning and succumbed early on Saturday morning.
Having diagnosed symptoms of viral fever with encephalitis, the children's culture has been sent to Kings Institute in Guindy. "One of the cases was recorded as Endobronchial Tuberculosis. Of the siblings, one died on Friday evening and the other at 00:20 hours on Saturday.
The reports are expected by Monday," said the doctor. Stating that the fever was caused due to hygiene and sanitation related issues, Dr Kulandaisamy, director, Public Health Department, said, “We are taking measures to ensure development in the rural areas”.
