Malaria claims 17 lives in Bengal

Siliguri, May 29 (UNI) At least 17 people have died of suspected malaria in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district this month, official sources said today.

'' All of them have died in the government owned Alipurduar sub-division hospital after being admitted for suspected malignant malaria,'' said hospital superintendent Dr Sulahendu Biswas.

He said the deadly disease has gripped many areas of Alipuring block since January last with 25 people succumbed to it.

While three people have died in January, five died in April last. Jalpaiguri district is notorious for mosquito borne disease.

However, unofficial sources claimed the toll to be 40 as 15 people have died in different private hospitals and nursing homes, they said.

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