Local News

A tragic incident has put Narasaraopeta in the spotlight as a two-year-old girl from Balaiah Nagar succumbed on March 16 2025 to the H5N1 (avian influenza) virus, according to official tests.  The child was admitted to AIIMS Mangalagiri on March 4 with fever, diarrhea and respiratory distress after reportedly consuming a piece of raw chicken on February 27. Follow-up tests at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Institute of Virology (Pune) confirmed the H5N1 subtype.  The state government has ramped up fever-screening protocols and poultry surveillance in the surrounding areas, although authorities say no human outbreak has been detected so far.  Local residents and officials expressed shock at the rare human fatality linked to bird flu, while urging strict food-safety practices. Key Points / Highlights: The victim: a two-year-old girl from Balaiah Nagar, Narasaraopeta.  Cause: Reported consumption of raw chicken meat; symptoms began shortly after.  Confirmed as H5N1 (avian influenza) after specialized lab tests.  Government response: Fever-screening across state, poultry farm & backyard bird surveillance.  Public health advice: Thoroughly cook poultry/eggs; avoid consumption of raw chicken.  Local poultry farm near the residence is under monitoring for infection links.

A large fire broke out on the second floor of a five-storey shopping mall at the busy Kota Centre in Narasaraopeta, triggering panic among shoppers and staff. According to police, a short circuit is believed to have caused the blaze, and thick smoke quickly filled the building, making rescue operations difficult. Employees were evacuated to the cellar for safety and one woman collapsed from suffocation but was rescued. Firefighters used breathing apparatuses to enter the smoke-filled interior. No casualties were reported, but significant property damage is expected. Authorities have launched an investigation into whether the complex met required fire-safety clearances. Key Points / Highlights: Fire erupted in five-storey mall at Kota Centre, Narasaraopeta. The Times of India Short circuit suspected as the cause. The Times of India Dense smoke, challenging rescue; one staff member collapsed. The Times of India No deaths reported so far; damage being assessed. The Times of India Investigation into fire-safety compliance launched.