Malaria cases high in Arunachal, toll touches 83

Itanagar, Aug 18 (UNI) Killer malaria has once again reared its ugly head in Arunachal Pradesh with the scourge claiming eight more lives in East Kameng district, taking the toll in the state to 83.

Apart from inadequate surveillance and proper counter measures by the state health department, the spread of malaria was attributed to acute shortage of medicines in many places of the state.

According to reports, most of the cases were recorded at Richukrong area in the district.

The increase in malarial cases was detected in the district during a two-day free medical camp organised on August 14 and 15.

Out of the 178 patients being checked in the camp, 100 were detected with malaria, 12 gastroenteritis and ten with respiratory tract infection, the report informed.

During the current monsoon, malaria has claimed 33 lives in Papum Pare district, 27 in Tirap, 18 in East Kameng and five in other parts of the state.

UNI UPB BA LS SSC1358