Even as a three-year-old boy, who was admitted to Krishnagiri Government Hospital with a mysterious fever, allegedly showing symptoms of dengue, died on Wednesday, several of the 16 other patients who were being treated at the same facility for the same condition, alleged poor treatment.
The lack of official comment on the illness appeared perplexing as the whole of Ennekollapudhur, a village near Krishangiri, has been under the threat of the mysterious fever. Sources said Parameswar, son of Nanjundan, a resident of Ennekollapudhur and his older brother Thirumalai (5) were admitted to Krishnagiri GH after they developed fever two days ago. Parameswar’s relative Raja alleged that the hospital administered what appeared to be first aid even though the child had high temperature.
Krishnamma, another relative, said hospital staff gave intravenous drip and regular medicines even though the child was showing symptoms of dengue. After Parameswar died, his family took Thirumalai, to a private hospital.
Several among 16 other patients, who were admitted to the GH with symptoms of the mysterious fever, voluntarily left the hospital on Wednesday without informing the doctors.
Sources said authorities were tight-lipped over the mysterious fever as they had been instructed not to spark panic over a possible outbreak of dengue. However, the move appears to have created resentment towards officials as many people said they were losing confidence in the Krishnagiri GH.
A medical officer, who wished to remain anonymous, observed that Krishnagiri GH does not have adequate facilities to tackle dengue cases. Hence, officials were referring patients to other GHs.
Divya (11), a Class VII student from Ennekollapudhur, developed symptoms of the mysterious fever on June 19. She was taken to a private hospital at Krishnagiri and later to a hospital in Bangalore, where she tested positive for dengue. As her family could not afford the treatment at Bangalore, they brought her to Krishnagiri GH. However, GH officials declined to accept the diagnosis and referred Divya to Salem GH.