A “mysterious fever” has claimed the lives of three children in Raniganj village of Bihar’s Araria district over the past three days, according to local officials. The deceased have been identified as Raunak Kumar (4), Ankush Kumar (2 months old), and Gauri Kumar (7). Raunak succumbed to the illness on Saturday, while Ankush and Gauri died on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
Family members of the deceased allege that the children died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), also known locally as “Chamki Bukhar” or brain fever. However, the district administration has stated that the exact cause of death remains undetermined. “A team of medical experts has been sent to the village to analyze the situation and identify others suffering from similar symptoms,” said Inayat Khan, the District Magistrate (DM) of Araria.
According to the DM, the affected children reportedly exhibited symptoms such as cough, cold, and pneumonia-like conditions. “We are closely monitoring the situation. The civil surgeon of Araria district is overseeing the response,” Khan added.
The exact cause of death is still unclear, as the families have already performed the last rites of the deceased. Meanwhile, three more children from the same village, who are also showing pneumonia-like symptoms, have been admitted to the nearest government hospital. Doctors are continuously observing their conditions.
“We will be able to determine the cause of the children’s deaths only after the medical experts submit their reports,” the DM emphasized.
The district administration is urging villagers to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention for any children showing symptoms of fever or respiratory distress.
With inputs from ANI.