Mystery Illness Hits Chhattisgarh's Sukma; Know Everything About The Condition That Has Claimed 13 Lives

An unknown illness has claimed 13 lives in a remote village in Chhattisgarh 's Sukma. The recent incidents occurred within a month, leaving locals confused about the cause of death and gripped with fear that they might be next.

Also read: International Women’s Day 2025: 7 Health Tests Every Woman Should Get in Her 20s

What are the symptoms of Sukma’s mysterious illness?

Located 30 km from the district headquarters, reports suggest that all victims exhibited common symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and acute coughing, which led to severe health complications and, ultimately, death.

Sukma Chief Medical and Health Officer responds to the mysterious illness

Speaking to a leading news outlet, Sukma Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Kapil Dev Kashyap clarified that the death toll stands at five, not 13.

Dr. Kashyap also stated that three of the reported deaths were due to age-related ailments, while the cause of the other two deaths is yet to be determined.

As per report, the Sukma medical team attributes the five confirmed deaths to weather changes, which coincide with the Mahua harvest season, a time when villagers spend entire days in the forest gathering Mahua without adequate food and other essentials causing dehydration and illness.

To prevent further fatalities, the medical department has deployed a quick response team to monitor the situation. ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) has been distributed among villagers, especially those working long hours in the forest.