A lethal mystery illness in Uttar Pradesh

The TLDR: A mysterious disease is claiming lives of little children who live in the poorest neighborhoods in the state. But the real mystery is why we don’t spend more resources tracking the cause of these highly preventable deaths—or address the callous indifference that breeds these mysterious illnesses each year during monsoon season. 

What’s happening here?

In one neighborhood in Firozabad—Sudama Nagar—six-year old Vir died within hours of contracting a fever. The report on his death noted “severe respiratory distress”, “gasping condition”, “high grade fever” and an oxygen saturation level of 40%. In nearby houses, other children died in similar circumstances: six years old Krishna and Lucky—also Tanu (4), Hema (12), Rakhi (7), and Nikhil (8). They all had similar symptoms of a high fever, joint pain, headaches, dehydration, nausea and low platelet count. In some cases they reported rashes on their arms and legs.

The Firozabad administration has recorded 40 such deaths—including at least 34 children. And 230 children are currently undergoing treatment in the pediatrics section of the local hospitals. A senior health official admits: “The patients, especially children, in hospitals are dying very quickly.” According to BBC News, the affected districts now include Agra, Mathura, Mainpuri, Etah, Kasganj and Firozabad.

Point to note: As always with such stories in India, the numbers vary from one news report to another. According to NDTV, 45 children and 8 adults have died of this mystery illness in Firozabad.

The fallout: Classes have been halted for children in grades 1-8 until September 6. CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation—and personally visited Firozabad. Krishna’s father recalls: “He spoke to me for two minutes about what happened to Krishna. Then he went away, without any assurance or help.” But his neighbourhood in Firozabad—drowning in filth and uncollected waste—finally received a once-in-a-generation clean up. One local resident said: “I’ve lived here for 20 years. And I’ve never seen a clean up drive like that. They properly cleaned the drains and even took away the garbage.”

Point to note: Despite conspiracy theories being touted by a former MLA, there is no evidence that these are hushed-up Covid deaths. None of the dead tested positive, and a 11-member Indian Council of Medical Research investigation also ruled out any link. 

Ugh, why are these children dying?

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