Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Two Tribal Children Die After Suspected Malaria Tablet Reaction
Two children in a tribal village in Andhra Pradesh reportedly died after becoming very sick.
Their illnesses happened after they were given tablets meant to help prevent malaria.
Local residents said the tablets were chloroquine.
They also said about 75 children became ill.
At least two other children were reportedly unconscious and in critical condition.
Some children were taken to a hospital in Bhadrachalam for treatment.
Villagers said the local health centre did not have enough doctors, beds, or transport.
Officials must investigate to find out what caused the illnesses and deaths.
Two tribal children reportedly died after developing severe illnesses following malaria-prevention tablet administration in Gollaguppa village.
Residents said about 75 children became seriously ill, with at least two more reportedly unconscious and critically ill.
Local residents alleged the children were given chloroquine tablets as a malaria-prevention measure.
Affected children were taken to Bhadrachalam’s Area Government Hospital, with some reportedly transported by tractors.
The alleged link to the tablets has not been independently verified, and a medical and administrative inquiry is expected.
- Who
- Two children reportedly died, while about 75 children were said to have become seriously ill; local residents and tribal organisations raised concerns.
- What
- Children reportedly developed severe illnesses after receiving malaria-prevention tablets, allegedly chloroquine, and two reportedly died.
- When
- One child reportedly died on Tuesday and the other on the previous Friday; the article does not specify exact dates.
- Where
- Gollaguppa village in Yetpaka mandal, Polavaram district, Andhra Pradesh; some patients were shifted to Bhadrachalam.
- Why
- The tablets were reportedly administered as a preventive measure against malaria, but the exact cause of the illnesses and deaths remains unconfirmed.
- Reported deaths
- Two children, Mudivi Jamuna and Paddam Roja, reportedly died after similar illnesses.
- Children affected
- Around 75 children were reported to have developed serious health problems.
- Alleged medicine
- Residents alleged that chloroquine tablets were administered to prevent malaria.
- Emergency treatment
- At least two critically ill children were reportedly shifted to the Area Government Hospital at Bhadrachalam.
- Local health facility
- Residents said Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre lacked adequate doctors and beds.
- Community response
- Tribal organisations called for an investigation and specialised treatment for affected children.
- Cause status
- The alleged connection between the tablets and the illnesses could not be independently verified immediately.