AGARTALA, August 18 (TIWN): Tripura’s hydrocephalus cases keep rising as a third child was diagnosed to have been afflicted with hydrocephalus in less than two years in the state. Ankita Das, a four year old girl from Khayerpur in Old Agartala block under the Sadar sub-division was confirmed to have been afflicted by hydrocephalus from the GB Hospital. She Das didn’t exhibit any symptom of hydrocephalus till the first three months from birth, family source said.

Ankita’s mother Supriti Das said that her family reached out to the GBP Hospital for medical examination after her head developed abnormal swells. Doctors on duty confirmed the disease to be hydrocephalus and suggested treatment at CMC, Vellore. “Doctors from GB Hospital suggested treatment at CMC, Vellore. They said it would be the cheapest possible treatment for the disease”, said Supriti. A family run by daily labour, Ankita’s father says he can’t think of any such decision.

 “We went to local MLA Pabitra Kar for help. He suggested us to go for treatment and submit medical bills to the government for clearance. Some funds could be arranged, he had assured”, she added. A four year old girl by now, Ankita’s head developed similar symotoms like Roona Begum who was the first publicly known hydrocephalus patient of the state.

Roona was later treated at Fortis Hospital in Gurgaon. Experts say that if a hydrocephalus patient is left untreated, it inevitably deteriorates the health of the victim by putting excess pressure on the brain, which causes headaches, blurred vision and, eventually leads to permanent brain damage. The poor family has urged for support from all quarters of the state and beyond.