Andhra Pradesh government has declared a health emergency in Turakapalem village of Guntur district in the coastal region following a spate of mysterious deaths in the past two months. As many as 23 people have died in the last two months from unexplained health complications. This unusual mortality pattern has triggered panic in the village, which has a population of over 3,000. The investigation conducted so far by the district officials of the Medical and Health Department has not confirmed the cause of death.
The officials suspect that melioidosis, caused by a bacterial infection, could be the reason behind the deaths. Most victims — predominantly men with an average age of 55 — initially reported fever before rapidly deteriorating and dying of multiple organ failure within days.
Critical test results from blood samples of 29 symptomatic individuals, currently being analysed at the Guntur Medical College's microbiology laboratory, are expected within the next day or two. Medical analysis revealed that 80% of the deceased had pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney ailments.
Andhra Pradesh Director of Medical Education Dr G Raghunandan, who led a medical team to the village, emphasised that definitive answers would emerge once blood test results are reviewed. He assured villagers that timely antibiotic treatment had proven effective for melioidosis. Meanwhile, patients currently under treatment at the Guntur Government General Hospital were in stable condition, offering some hope.
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Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav characterised the toll as highly unusual. He has ordered comprehensive health screenings for all village residents to identify any underlying health risks. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with the officials of the medical and health department. Following his instructions, a health emergency has been declared in the village. The villagers with fever and other symptoms have been shifted to nearby hospitals.
CM has directed the officials to conduct health camps over the weekend, make medical tests mandatory for all villagers, and prepare a comprehensive health profile. Naidu also directed them to seek expert assistance from AIIMS–Mangalagiri and, if required, consult international specialists.
Meanwhile, the opposition YSR Congress Party leader Ambati Rambabu blamed the TDP-led government for the health crisis, alleging negligence on the part of the health authorities. The contaminated drinking water was the cause of deaths, he said.
He demanded supply of mineral water and sanitation measures for the village. The state Congress president YS Sharmila demanded the constitution of a commission to investigate the Turakapalem deaths and called for setting up medical camps till the situation is brought under control. She also sought a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to each of the affected families.
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