KOLAR: Zakiria (6) of Vatragunte in Bangarpet, who was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru with symptoms of diphtheria died on Wednesday.
Though villagers of Vatragunte claimed that it is the second diphtheria death in recent times, the Health Department confirmed only one death.
According to Bangarpet taluk health officer Kamalkar, Sakiria who has been suffering from fever for the past three days was brought to R L Jalappa hospital in Kolar first and later he was shifted to Indira Gandhi Institute Of Child Health in Dharmaram College, Bengaluru with the assistance of Dr Bhaskar Reddy, primary health officer, Kamasamudram.
Dr Kamalkar said the boy died on Wednesday morning.
Villagers of Vatragunte said this is the second diphtheria death as one Zukthur (11) also allegedly died due to diphtheria.
However, Health Department officials who confirmed Zakiria’s death, said they are collecting evidence with regard to Zukthur’s death.
Kolar Deputy Commissioner C K V Thrilok Chandra said following the boy’s death, seven doctors were sent to the village. He said a team of doctors began vaccination and collected throat swabs of five people who have been suffering from fever for the past two days.
Thrilok Chandra said the samples have been immediately sent to Bangalore Medical College and added that he will speak to the director to conduct the test as soon as possible.
Circular to district health officials
Bengaluru: The Reproductive and Child Health Project Director has sent a circular to all District Health and Family Welfare officials, directing them to inform the deputy director, if they found any suspected or confirmed cases of diphtheria in their locality.