The death of two persons after coughing up froth at Dewari in the district has triggered panic among the villagers.

Fourteen-year-old Baiju Yadav and Poonam Devi (30), residents of Dewari village under Dhoi panchayat of sadar block, 7km east of the district headquarters, died on Saturday morning after complaining of aches, besides vomiting froth. More than 24 people have so far complained of similar symptoms.

The medical officer in-charge of the primary health centre at Sadar block, Dr Avinash Chandra Mishra, is camping in the area since Saturday. A team of doctors and paramedical workers is assisting him to keep tabs on the situation.

“According to Mishra, the two persons died of snakebite. During monsoon, holes in the earth get filled up with water and, as a result, snakes come out. Snakebites are common at this time,” Darbhanga civil surgeon Dr Uday Kumar Chaudhary told The Telegraph.

Yadav and Poonam started complaining of acute body ache and coughed up froth late on Friday night. They were rushed to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. However, they died while being taken to the health hub in the small hours of Saturday.

“Many residents have fled the village and taken shelter in their relative’s places elsewhere,” said Ram Khelawan Sahani, the husband of village head Domini Devi. He added that the villagers were scared of such symptoms.

The civil surgeon added: “Lives can be saved if people visit the hospital immediately after suffering snakebites. We have medicines, including anti-venom. The villagers should keep their houses clean, use mosquito nets, wear proper footwear and keep the lights on at night.”