A tragic incident in Puri district of Odisha, India, has drawn attention to the dangers of untreated lice infestation after a Class 6 student reportedly died due to a severe scalp and skull infection during treatment. The case has sparked concern about delayed medical intervention and the importance of early detection of health issues in school-aged children.
The incident occurred in Champagada Sahi under the Balanga police station area. The deceased, Lakshmipriya Sahu, daughter of Lingaraj Sahu, had been suffering from a prolonged and severe head lice infestation for several months. According to family members, multiple treatment attempts failed to resolve the condition. Her mother, Satyabhama Sahu, had suggested shaving her head to control the infestation, but the child reportedly resisted.
As the condition worsened, the infection severely affected her scalp. Family members stated that Lakshmipriya began avoiding outdoor activities due to a foul odor coming from her head and kept her hair wrapped and covered, which prevented others from recognizing the seriousness of the infection. Three days before her death, she reportedly began vomiting blood. Her family rushed her to Puri Medical College and Hospital for treatment, but she passed away on Saturday night despite medical efforts.
Her mother later shared that the child had hidden her condition and that initial symptoms were not fully understood. A local social worker, Parbati Behera, expressed concern that school authorities might have noticed behavioral changes, such as consistently covering her head, and could have intervened earlier.
The incident underscores the importance of hygiene awareness, early medical consultation, and coordinated vigilance by families, schools, and community health systems. Health experts emphasize that while lice infestations are generally treatable, untreated infections can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.
