Fresh tests show 666 persons have cerebral malaria in Bihar

Munger (Bihar) Aug.11 (ANI): Fresh blood sample tests have confirmed 666 persons having cerebral malaria, which has claimed 25 lives in the last fortnight in Bihar's Munger District.

"The tests performed through fresh kits have confirmed 666 out of 1841 patients suffering from high fever or other related symptoms are afflicted by cerebral malaria", Dr B Sahu, a Malaria Officer, said.

Sahu said the need to conduct fresh tests was felt after the authorities found that earlier kits, applied for testing serum samples were expired ones.

Led by Joint Director in the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry Dr S N Sharma, a four-member central team was already camping in the affected villages. It's purpose is to help assist in efforts to identify the cause of spread of the disease in 70 villages of Kharagpur sub-division and Dhrahara block in Munger District.

Five unconfirmed deaths from cerebral malaria have been reported in past three days from the area.

The deadly brain fever claimed at least 25 lives since the outbreak in the first week of July in Munger, said sources. (ANI)