Bengal Teen Stays In Ponds, Says He Feels 'Burning Sensation' Outside Water
A 16-year-old boy in West Bengal has been living in local ponds for a month, claiming he experiences a burning sensation when outside the water. Local residents and doctors are concerned about his health, as his family struggles to afford the necessary medical treatment.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of poverty, lack of access to specialized healthcare, and the prevalence of superstition in rural health crises.
A 16-year-old boy has been spending days and nights in ponds in Beldanga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal for nearly a month, raising concern among locals about his health.The boy, Iqbal, says whenever he comes out of the water, he experiences a burning sensation all over his body and feels as if a supernatural being possesses him, and this has prompted him to remain in ponds.Iqbal, who is overweight, can be seen floating in ponds from morning till late at night, and at times, he moves from one water body to another.Kolkata-based doctors said prolonged exposure to water can lead to skin and fungal infections, and other health complications."That burning sensation needs to be assessed by a doctor, and if there are unusual beliefs or fears associated with it, a psychological evaluation may also be appropriate," one of the doctors said.Worried about his condition, the boy's parents said he…
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