In Christian Sahi, Padiya Block of Malkangiri district, an unknown disease has affected over 200 families, impacting approximately 500 people. The illness begins with swelling in the hands and feet, followed by fever and severe joint pain in the fingers, hands, and knees. Elderly individuals are reportedly unable to walk due to the condition. Affected individuals, including elderly men and women, youths, and children, have been suffering for over a month. Despite undergoing blood tests at the local Community Health Centre (CHC), no specific disease has been identified. Patients report temporary relief after taking prescribed medications, but the symptoms return soon after. Some patients who sought treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital experienced similar outcomes, with relief lasting only a few hours before the pain resumed. Certain patients also reported adverse reactions to medications, including increased swelling, body stiffness, and facial discoloration.
Among the affected are Mesak Rabi Madri, Nagalu Sentaamma, Nagalu Manju, Sudhal Jaya Raju, Batin Jayaraju, Batin Daiba Kumari, Bedi Dhanalakshmi, Chinam Minati, Madri Salbam, Madri Krupabati, Madri Padma Mani, Batim Seema, Tokal Raju, Bantal Wara Lakshmi, Kodi Shakuntala, Nagalu Sunil, Sudhal Jaya Amma, and Chinam Rupa Rani, among others from the 200 affected families. Some patients, finding no relief locally, have sought treatment at private hospitals in neighboring areas.
When contacted, Dr. Soumyakanta Behera, an official at Padiya CHC, stated he was away for training but noted that similar cases were reported three months ago in some areas, and patients had recovered after treatment. He suggested this could be a different type of disease. As the CHC lacks facilities for comprehensive testing, the District Medical Officer has been informed. Dr. Behera added that a special team has been formed to collect blood samples for laboratory analysis to determine the exact nature of the illness. Dr. Raj Narayan Singh, another doctor on duty, confirmed that a laboratory team has already arrived to collect samples. Once the team completes its investigation and provides treatment, the exact number of affected individuals and the cause of the disease will be clarified.
