Malaria death toll rises in Assam

New Delhi: Malaria continues to be a killer in Assam with 275 deaths reported so far this year, which is a new record in recent years, Parliament was told Friday.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that Assam is endemic for malaria.

Nearly 690 people had died during the last six years starting 2001 with 47,29,65 cases reported.

The central Government and global agencies have been funding anti-malaria activities in the area to create awareness as well as to provide medical help.

She said that 85,633 malaria cases have been reported this year till July 25, compared to 67,885 last year.