Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Chloroquine Scare in Gollaguppa Leaves One Villager Dead
People in Gollaguppa were given chloroquine during a drive to prevent malaria.
Many villagers became sick after taking the tablets.
A seven-year-old girl named Jamuna later died.
Doctors are checking whether low blood sugar or a heart problem caused her death.
They have not yet reached a final conclusion.
Most patients have been allowed to go home, but some are still being treated.
Six patients were found to have malaria.
Officials say the medicine was given in the correct amount and are testing samples while investigating.
One seven-year-old girl died after reportedly becoming unconscious soon after taking chloroquine.
Thirty-two villagers were discharged, while 21 remained under treatment after the incident.
Six of 52 patients treated at Bhadrachalam Area Hospital tested positive for malaria.
Officials said the tablets followed age-based dosages and had passed quality checks.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered an inquiry, while officials sent samples for testing.
- Who
- Villagers of Gollaguppa, including seven-year-old Jamuna, were affected; health officials and state leaders responded.
- What
- Villagers fell sick after chloroquine tablets were distributed, and Jamuna died two days after reportedly losing consciousness.
- When
- The incident surfaced after Jamuna's death; she became unconscious soon after taking the tablet and died two days later.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Gollaguppa, with patients treated at Bhadrachalam Area Hospital.
- Why
- The tablets were distributed during a malaria prevention drive.
Official Assessment
Medical Uncertainty
Possible cause of the illness and death
Official Assessment
Officials said the tablets were given according to age-based dosages and had passed quality checks.
Medical Uncertainty
Doctors have not reached a final conclusion and are examining low blood glucose and a possible underlying cardiac condition that could have caused arrhythmia.
- Patients discharged
- 32 villagers had been discharged.
- Patients under treatment
- 21 villagers remained under treatment, though officials said only nine needed continued hospital care.
- Malaria cases
- Six of 52 patients treated at Bhadrachalam Area Hospital tested positive for malaria.
- Fatality
- Seven-year-old Jamuna died two days after reportedly becoming unconscious soon after taking chloroquine.
- Medical findings
- Doctors found low blood glucose and are examining whether an underlying cardiac condition triggered arrhythmia.
- Testing
- Tablet samples were sent to the Visakhapatnam Forensic Science Laboratory.
- Government response
- N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a full inquiry and additional medical measures.