The children belonged to Korkunda, Balimela and Kalimela blocks in the district and blood samples of those affected have been sent for laboratory test at Bhubaneswar and Pune, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Malkangiri, Udayanath Mishra said.
Stating that the disease affecting the children was suspected to be an infection induced by mosquito bite, Mishra said the exact reason could be ascertained only after obtaining the laboratory report.
About the symptoms of the disease, Mishra said the children first suffer from fever followed by vomiting and severe weakness leading to their death in next few days.
Mishra said as the district is tribal dominated, those suffering from any disease in hinterland first visit a 'disari' (black magician), then to a quack and turn up at the hospital in a very serious condition.
Out of 97 sanctioned posts of doctors 64 are vacant and only 33 doctors are there for providing service to patients.