Aizawl: Twenty-two people died of malaria during January to June this year, compared to 11 deaths during the corresponding period last year.
According to official reports, Lawngtlai district has topped in malaria deaths with nine persons falling victim to the vector-borne disease this year while Lunglei, Mamit and Serchhip, considered malaria-prone districts, have witnessed only one malaria death each. No malaria deaths have been reported from Kolasib and Champhai districts. From January till December last year, 31 people succumbing to the killer disease, as compared to the counts – 199 in 2009 and 99 in 2008. According to the record of State Vector-Borne Diseases Control Programme (SVBDCP) of the 322929 blood samples tested during last year, 15,130 were found to be positive with malaria, of which 14,189 were malaria pf, more deadly than malaria pv. As many as 15,099 malaria patients were cured.
According to the death investigation report of the health department, most of the malarial deaths happened due to negligence on the part of the patients that led to delayed treatment.
The health department has set up FTD/ASHA in all towns and villages to help malaria patients get treatment on time. (Agencies)
