A tragic incident from Odisha’s Puri district has highlighted serious gaps in early medical intervention and awareness related to common but potentially dangerous health conditions among children.
Lakshmipriya, a Class 6 student from Champagada Sahi under Balanga police station limits, died while undergoing treatment after a prolonged lice infestation reportedly led to a severe scalp and skull infection. The child, daughter of Lingaraj Sahu and Satyabhama Sahu, had been suffering from the infestation for several months.
According to family members, repeated home treatments failed to resolve the issue. Her mother had suggested tonsuring her head to prevent the infestation from worsening, but the child was reluctant. Over time, the condition reportedly deteriorated, causing infection and a foul smell from her scalp. Lakshmipriya allegedly kept her hair tied and her head covered, preventing family members from noticing the severity of the infection.
Three days before her death, the child began vomiting blood. She was immediately rushed to Puri Medical College and Hospital, where she later succumbed to her condition on Saturday night despite medical treatment.
Speaking about the incident, her mother said she initially assumed the vomiting was due to poor hygiene and did not realise the seriousness of the underlying infection. Social worker Parbati Behera expressed concern over the lack of early intervention, stating that teachers should have noticed the child frequently covering her head and alerted the family.
The incident has sparked discussions on the need for greater awareness, timely medical care, and vigilance by families, schools, and healthcare providers to prevent avoidable tragedies involving children.
