The surge comes in the wake of the death of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to a fever in nearby Kattunedungulam last week.
With multiple children and adults falling ill, health department officials have rushed to the area to set up a medical camp and provide treatment.
Patients presenting with severe body pain and loss of appetite have sought care at the Idaikattur Primary Health Centre and the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital.
Medical teams have collected blood and drinking water samples for testing as the illness spreads across neighboring Mangudi as well, leaving many residents confined to their homes, said health officials.
“The fever affects everyone from children to adults, causing severe body pain and a complete loss of appetite,” said Kasi, a local resident. “It takes about four days to recover, and the rapid spread has left the village terrified.”
Health officials confirmed that the outbreak is due to a viral infection and assured that monitoring and treatment efforts are ongoing.
Authorities have advised residents to drink boiled water and promptly visit nearby primary health centres or hospitals if symptoms appear.