Gollaguppa Chloroquine Incident: 7-Year-Old Girl Dies, 52 Hospitalised in Andhra Pradesh
Gollaguppa, Andhra Pradesh: A seven-year-old tribal girl has died after falling ill following the distribution of chloroquine tablets in Gollaguppa village. The incident took place in Yetapaka mandal of Polavaram district.
The girl was identified as Madivi Jamuna, a Class 2 student. She was among the residents who received the anti-malarial medicine during a preventive health drive.
According to officials, 71 people were given chloroquine tablets in the village. The medicine was distributed after malaria cases were reported in the area.
Soon after the distribution, several villagers developed health problems. Most of those affected were children.
52 patients receiving treatment
As per the latest health department update, 52 people are undergoing treatment at Bhadrachalam Area Hospital. The group includes 47 children, officials said.
Another group of affected villagers was initially treated at the Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre. Some patients were later shifted to Bhadrachalam for closer medical observation.
Officials said the condition of the patients currently under treatment is stable. They are being monitored by medical teams.
The administration has also arranged additional medical support in Gollaguppa.
What happened to Madivi Jamuna?
Madivi Jamuna reportedly became unwell after taking the tablet. She developed vomiting and was taken to the Lakshmipuram health facility.
She was later declared dead by doctors.
Her death has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the medicine distribution. However, authorities have not yet established that the tablet itself was the definitive cause of death.
A medical and administrative inquiry is underway.
Malaria cases had been reported in the village
The health drive was organised as a preventive measure after malaria cases were detected in Gollaguppa.
Officials said several people had tested positive for malaria. This prompted health workers to conduct testing and provide anti-malarial treatment.
The village has a population of around 253 people, according to reports.
Health teams are now conducting further screenings. They are also monitoring residents for any fresh symptoms.
Specialist teams deployed
The Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up medical surveillance in the village.
Specialist teams from different government medical institutions have been sent to the area. Paediatricians are also involved in monitoring affected children.
A dedicated medical camp has been arranged at Gollaguppa.
Doctors are carrying out health checks and assessing residents who received the tablets.
Officials from the district administration and Integrated Tribal Development Agency are also visiting the affected areas and hospitals.
Andhra Pradesh CM orders inquiry
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
The Chief Minister reviewed the situation with senior health officials and Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar.
He directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for those affected. Authorities were also asked to closely monitor the village.
The inquiry is expected to establish what led to the illnesses and the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.
Collector says situation is being monitored
Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar said officials are closely monitoring the situation.
The administration has urged people not to panic. Medical teams are keeping watch over the patients receiving treatment.
The immediate priority remains the health of the affected children and other villagers.
Further details are expected as the medical and administrative investigation progresses.
What we know so far
- Village: Gollaguppa, Yetapaka mandal, Polavaram district
- People given chloroquine: 71
- People reported ill: 53
- Patients receiving treatment: 52
- Children among those being treated: 47
- Reported death: Madivi Jamuna, 7
- Malaria cases: Reported in the village before the health drive
- Government response: Specialist teams, medical camp and inquiry
- Current patient condition: Officials say those under treatment are stable
Important clarification
The incident occurred after chloroquine tablets were distributed, and several people became ill afterward. The exact medical cause of the girl’s death is still subject to investigation.
It would therefore be premature to describe the tablets as the confirmed cause of death until the medical and administrative inquiry is completed.