Malaria sweeps Tripura, 25 dead

At least 25 people have died of malaria in the last two weeks in Tripura with authorities using helicopters to send medical teams to remote areas.

At least 25 people have died of malaria in the last two weeks in Tripura with authorities using helicopters to send medical teams to remote areas, officials said on Friday.

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"We are monitoring the situation. Despite 25 people dying of malaria so far, the situation is under control," said Jagannath Muhuri, the health and family welfare director.

According to unofficial estimates, some 50 people have died of the disease in the last fortnight. The worst hit by the disease is the tribal dominated Amarpur area in south Tripura district where 10 people have died.

"An army helicopter has been pressed into service to transport medical teams and medicines to the interior areas," the official said.

All hospitals in the state are crowded with patients hit by malaria.

"The government would bear all expenditure for the treatment of malaria patients in hospitals," said Health Minister Tapan Chakraborty.