Overview

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed Health Department officials to involve AIIMS Mangalagiri and dispatch special teams on September 6–7 to run 42 tests on every resident of Turakapalem.
• Officials said cases show signs of melioidosis and blood samples have been sent to labs, with reports expected within 72 hours and earlier state guidance indicating results were due Saturday.
• A state DME‑led team has already visited the village, collected blood and environmental samples for Guntur Medical College, and set up a 15‑day multi‑specialty medical camp for screening and treatment.
• Health authorities reported roughly two dozen deaths since July—23 through September 3 by the minister’s count—alongside a recent rise in fever cases, with patients under hospital care described as stable.
• The Health Minister earlier ordered universal screening for kidney function, blood sugar and blood pressure and criticized gaps in local surveillance, while sanitation and mosquito‑control drives continued in the area.