Malda, Nov. 18: Twenty-six people have died in the past one month in five villages in Muchia gram panchayat, 16 km from Malda town. The cause of death is yet to be identified.

The pradhan of the gram panchayat and a BJP leader, Asit Sarkar who confirmed the death toll, said the first case was reported on October 12 at Mallik Para. The disease — symptoms include fever and stomach ache — then spread in five villages. A report was sent to the block medical officer (BMOH) during the puja vacation.

Sarkar alleged that the health department had not taken any action. The BMOH had not visited the villages. Patients, who were sent to the block hospital, had been referred to the district hospital.

Chief medical officer of health of Malda district Radharaman Banik, however, said he was not aware of any “mysterious disease”. “I shall inquire into it. The BMOH should have asked for medical teams,” he added.