Nine children in Andhra's Polavaram test positive for malaria after chloroquine drive

Nine children who fell ill following a chloroquine administration drive in Andhra Pradesh's Polavaram district have tested positive for malaria, according to officials. The children are among 52 villagers from Gollaguppa village who reported sickness after being given the anti-malarial tablet.

Of the affected villagers, 32 have been discharged from the Bhadrachalam Area Hospital, where they were admitted for observation and treatment. The remaining individuals continue to receive medical care.

The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Project Officer said experts are currently examining the circumstances that may have led to the death of a girl in connection with the incident. The investigation aims to determine whether the fatality was linked to the drug administration or other underlying factors.

Health authorities are monitoring the situation in the tribal-dominated region, where malaria remains a public health concern. The chloroquine drive was likely part of routine prophylactic measures, though the adverse reactions have prompted a detailed review of the protocol followed during the campaign.