The results of blood samples taken from the residents of Manubolupadu village in Dagadarthi mandal have revealed that nearly 12 villagers are suffering from tuberculosis on account of the consumption of possible contaminated water and food.
Blood samples were taken from 32 persons and the remaining 20 tested negative.
Considering the panic prevailing among the villagers, district Collector R. Mutyala Raju ordered a door-to-door survey of the surrounding villages also to check the spread of the disease and take up preventive measures.
Capital Construction Committee Member Beeda Mastan Rao met the villagers and sought to allay fear over the possibility of any mysterious disease affecting the area. It all began a few weeks ago when some villagers reported fever and small swellings on their necks. They consulted doctors at various places but the disease could not be diagnosed.
The medical and health officials here conducted a special camp in the village and took samples from all the persons who reported high fever and exhaustion.
The residents of nearby villages like Marripadu, Siddareddypalem, Katrapadu and Marellapadu expressed concern over the possibility of the disease spreading in their habitations. The authorities had dismissed the villagers’ fears saying the health officials would be available to clarify doubts and also provide immediate help if any villager reported symptoms of tuberculosis.