Dengue spreads to 32 UP districts; 259 cases reported

Lucknow, Oct 10 (UNI) Declining to declare dengue as an 'epidemic', the Uttar Pradesh government, nevertheless, today admitted that the killer disease had spread to 32 districts of the state.

As many as 259 cases had been reported so far in UP, of which eight patients died, UP Family Welfare minister and Leader of the House Ahmad Hasan told the legislative council here.

The issue was raised by BJP members in the house, who alleged government apathy in controlling the disease. They said there was lack of proper diagnostic and treatment facilities in various government hospitals.

BJP members demanded dengue should be declared as 'epidemic' in the state, but the government turned down the demand.

Mr Hasan informed all government hospitals were well-eqipped to combat dengue and all check up and treatment was free for all the patients.

The UP government also admitted to having a few reported cases of chikungunya -- another vector borne disease -- in the state.

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