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A seven-year-old girl died after consuming a chloroquine tablet during a malaria prevention drive in a village in Andhra Pradesh, while more than 50 other residents who were given the medication are undergoing treatment after falling ill. Chloroquine tablets are used to prevent and treat malaria.
The incident was reported in Gollaguppa village in Polavaram, near the Andhra Pradesh–Telangana border. According to health officials, 71 people in the village were given chloroquine tablets as part of the malaria prevention drive. Soon after consuming the medication, several residents complained of illness and were taken to nearby medical facilities.
Among those affected was Madivi Jamuna, a Class 2 student. The seven-year-old died while undergoing treatment, officials said.
Of the residents who fell ill, 29 were shifted to a hospital in Telangana, while another 24 were admitted to a local health centre. Authorities said the condition of those currently undergoing treatment is stable.
Following the incident, the district administration intensified medical surveillance in Gollaguppa. Specialist teams, including three paediatricians, have been deployed to the village, while a medical camp has been set up to monitor residents and provide treatment.
A nine-member specialist team from Kakinada Government General Hospital has already reached the village. Additional medical teams from Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram and Kakinada are also expected to join the response.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought a detailed report from senior health officials and the district collector on the incident. The report will include details about the distribution of the tablets and the treatment being provided to those who fell ill.
