By NewsGram Staff Writer

Kolkata: Four people have died in the past four days from reactions following a blood transfusion at the Durgapur Steel Plant Hospital in West Bengal, an official said on Monday.

The state government's directorate of drug control, along with a team from the central government, have begun an investigation into the matter, said principal secretary of West Bengal's health and family welfare department, Malay Kumar De.

"Four people have died in the last three to four days. Apparently, there was some problem regarding preservation (of blood) at the blood bank of the hospital," added De.

Details would be available after the probe concludes, he remarked.

Adverse reactions to transfusion, such as fever and chills, may appear during or within 24 hours of a blood transfusion.

Transfusion reactions call for immediate recognition, laboratory investigation and clinical management.

With inputs from IANS