Rare Disease / 12-Year-Old Odisha Girl Dies After Months of Ignored Lice Infestation in Puri
·1 month ago·2 min read

Key Points
- A 12-year-old girl in Puri, Odisha, died during treatment after suffering from a severe, prolonged lice infestation.
- The Class-6 student's condition worsened over months; she vomited blood three days before her death.
- The incident has caused concern in the local community; the exact medical cause is under investigation.
Puri, Feb 9: A 12-year-old girl died during treatment after suffering from a prolonged lice infestation at Champagada Sahi under Balanga police station limits in Odisha's Puri district, a source said Monday.
The deceased was identified as Laxmipriya Sahu, daughter of Lingaraj Sahu.
Our source from the ground informed that Laxmipriya was a Class-6 student at a local school. According to information received, she had been suffering from lice infestation for the past few months. Despite several attempts at treatment, her condition did not improve.
Also Read: Car Falls Off Shishu Bhawan Flyover in Bhubaneswar, Lands on House Roof
Her mother, Satyabhama Sahu, had reportedly advised her to shave her head, but Laxmipriya did not agree. Over time, the lice infestation allegedly worsened and affected her scalp. Family members said that due to foul odour from her head, the girl had stopped going out of the house.
Sources said that as her hair remained intact, the severity of the condition was not fully known to the family.
Condition Deteriorated After Blood Vomiting
About three days ago, Laxmipriya suddenly vomited blood, following which her family rushed her to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. She was undergoing treatment when she died on Sunday night.
Our source from the ground said the incident has raised concern in the locality. Further details regarding the medical cause of death were not immediately available.
To cure a head of lice infestation, follow these steps carefully:
Use an over-the-counter treatment like permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin-based shampoo, following package instructions exactly. For severe cases, consult a doctor for prescription options (e.g., spinosad, ivermectin lotion, or malathion).
After treatment, section the wet hair and thoroughly comb with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and nits (eggs). Repeat combing every 2–3 days for 2–3 weeks.
Also Read: Midnight Heist Foiled as Odisha Villagers Chase Down Transformer Gang
Repeat the chemical treatment after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
Wash bedding, hats, and clothes in hot water (>130°F/54°C) and dry on high heat.
Check and treat all household members simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
The deceased was identified as Laxmipriya Sahu, daughter of Lingaraj Sahu.
Our source from the ground informed that Laxmipriya was a Class-6 student at a local school. According to information received, she had been suffering from lice infestation for the past few months. Despite several attempts at treatment, her condition did not improve.
Also Read: Car Falls Off Shishu Bhawan Flyover in Bhubaneswar, Lands on House Roof
Her mother, Satyabhama Sahu, had reportedly advised her to shave her head, but Laxmipriya did not agree. Over time, the lice infestation allegedly worsened and affected her scalp. Family members said that due to foul odour from her head, the girl had stopped going out of the house.
Sources said that as her hair remained intact, the severity of the condition was not fully known to the family.
Condition Deteriorated After Blood Vomiting
About three days ago, Laxmipriya suddenly vomited blood, following which her family rushed her to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. She was undergoing treatment when she died on Sunday night.
Our source from the ground said the incident has raised concern in the locality. Further details regarding the medical cause of death were not immediately available.
To cure a head of lice infestation, follow these steps carefully:
Use an over-the-counter treatment like permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin-based shampoo, following package instructions exactly. For severe cases, consult a doctor for prescription options (e.g., spinosad, ivermectin lotion, or malathion).
After treatment, section the wet hair and thoroughly comb with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and nits (eggs). Repeat combing every 2–3 days for 2–3 weeks.
Also Read: Midnight Heist Foiled as Odisha Villagers Chase Down Transformer Gang
Repeat the chemical treatment after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.
Wash bedding, hats, and clothes in hot water (>130°F/54°C) and dry on high heat.
Check and treat all household members simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
📱 Get Argus News App
✨📰 60 Word News🎬 Argus Podcast📺 Live TV and Breaking News🔔 Free Notification Alerts
Download Free:
Related Topics
Explore more stories