India, Aug. 13 -- Nine children have died since June 26 amid an unexplained illness reported in tribal areas of Balaghat district, with health authorities yet to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

A joint team of doctors from Jabalpur Medical College and Balaghat visited the affected areas to assess the situation. According to the medical team, affected children have shown symptoms including pneumonia, anaemia, dehydration, fever, itching, malaria and signs of kidney involvement.

Samples collected from the affected areas have been sent to a laboratory in Pune for testing. Health officials said the exact cause of the illness would be established only after the laboratory reports are received. The Health Department has not indicated...