Special medical survey at Thurakapalem in Guntur

Minister of Health Satya Kumar Yadav has ordered a special medical survey at Thurakapalem village near Guntur after over 20 people died owing to fever and other health issues over the past six months, according to sources.

Director of Medical Education (DME) G. Raghunandan, who visited the village on Wednesday (September 3), said the Guntur Government General Hospital has set aside ten beds for patients from the village. Blood samples from all the villagers were being collected by special teams.

The village has a population of about 2,250, and the medical teams have completed a survey in 450 houses so far. People suffering from multiple health complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and renal issues are also being tested, he added.

Dr. Raghunandan said they suspect melioidosis, a infectious disease spread by bacteria through soil, as the cause. Maintaining cleanliness would reduce the chances of people contracting the disease. If the melioidosis is confirmed, the department is prepared to provide proper treatment, he said.