Tribal school deaths spark panic in Parvathipuram Manyam

Fear is spreading among parents and students in tribal welfare schools after a series of sudden student deaths in Parvathipuram Manyam district. In just the past three days, two students receiving treatment at King George Hospital (KGH), Visakhapatnam, have died due to serious health complications.

Tadangi Chinnari (12), a Class 6 student of AP Tribal Welfare Ashram School (Boys), Y. Samantalavalasa, died Wednesday morning from acute kidney injury and multiple organ failure. Earlier, Tadangi Pallavi (12), a Class 6 student of AP Tribal Welfare Ashram School (Girls), Mamidipalli, reportedly succumbed to suspected meningoencephalitis.

The deaths come on the heels of a jaundice outbreak at Tribal Welfare Residential School, Kurupam, where two students also died and 178 others were hospitalized with viral fevers. Of these, 133 students have recovered, while 45 remain under treatment—three at KGH and 42 in Parvathipuram district hospital.

Authorities have declared a high alert, conducting health screenings across all government schools and stepping up sanitation, chlorination, and water facilities, including RO plants and proper washrooms.

YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy visited KGH to console the families and announced Rs. 5 lakh financial aid to each bereaved family. Tribal leaders have also filed complaints with the NHRC and NCST over the outbreak.

Speaking to The Coastal Times, DM&HO Dr. Bhaskararao said, “All hospitalized girls are recovering well. The two recent deaths were unrelated to the jaundice outbreak, and the students were healthy before leaving for Dasara holidays. We are closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary care.”