Malaria kills 40 people in Asom's districts

Guwahati, Apr 18 (UNI) At least 40 people died of malaria in the districts of Asom in the last few days, according to official reports.

People in large numbers in the districts in north bank of Brahmaputra and several districts in upper Asom were suffering from the disease causing a fear psychosis among the populace.

Health department sources said doctors, medicine and support materials have been rushed to all the affected areas and the disease would be controlled within a short period of time.

The official death figure, however, only included death of persons in government hospitals, therefore, raising fears that the actual figure could be much higher.

Health department's joint director and in-charge of malaria cell Dr J M Bora admitted spread of the disease and said the government has already sent two expert teams, doctors and nurses to the most affected Lakhimpur and Golaghat district.

Meanwhile, the disease continued to spread even to the lower Asom with a few deaths reported from Kamrup and Barpeta district, while a number of cases were recorded in Sonitpur district.

Allegations against health department's negligence in spraying DDT and selection of survey workers were raised.

UNI XC/AB TJP RD 1238