COVID-Negative but... Over 50 Deaths from 'Mysterious Disease' with High Fever in India

Some Medical Staff Suspected of Dengue Virus Infection

Patients suffering from a high fever of unknown cause in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. Photo by India TV capture and Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Recently, an unexplained fever has spread in northern India, resulting in dozens of deaths. The deceased reportedly exhibited symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, headaches, and nausea.

On the 1st (local time), according to foreign media including the British BBC, a mysterious disease began spreading about a week ago in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, claiming at least 50 lives.

Most of the deceased were children, and hundreds are currently hospitalized for treatment. Patients complained of high fever along with dehydration and vomiting, and some showed rashes on their limbs.

So far, all those who died from this disease tested negative for COVID-19, it was reported.

Local medical staff said the patients' symptoms resemble those of dengue virus infection. However, the exact cause has not yet been identified.

Dengue virus, mainly transmitted by forest mosquitoes, has an incubation period of 3 to 8 days, after which symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain, leukopenia, and bleeding appear. Most cases improve within about a week without severe symptoms.

However, if symptoms worsen and proper treatment is not received, it can lead to death. It is especially considered a disease requiring special caution as there are no preventive vaccines or treatments available.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh, where 32 children died from the mysterious disease in the past week, is notorious for poor sanitation and severe child malnutrition.

BBC also pointed out that repeated outbreaks of such mysterious diseases occur due to India's unsanitary environment, child malnutrition, and hot and humid climate.

Dr. Scott Holsted, an expert on mosquito-borne diseases, said, "Without appropriate and regular investigations, more 'mystery fevers' will continue to emerge."