Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, August 19 2009:
At least nine people have died in the past few weeks due to an unknown fever in Phek district of Nagaland.
Chief Medical Officer of Phek today confirmed the death of nine people, seven from Pholami village and two from Khomi village.
Talking to NNN over phone today, the CMO said that on August 15, health camps were conducted in the two villages where blood samples of several patients were tested and found to be malaria negative.
The Phek District Malaria Officer, Dr N Kire, while confirming the report, however said that so far blood samples of 20 patients, nine from Phomali and 11 from Khomi villages, have tested negative for malaria.
He also said that the deaths were not because of vector borne disease but did not rule out chances of hygienic problems.
Further, he said that compared to the previous years, malaria infection has been a little higher in Meluri and Chozuba sub-division in the district, but till date no malaria related deaths have been reported.
Dr Kire also informed that all precautionary measures have been taken and the department is trying its best to contain the disease.
Meanwhile, cerebral malaria outbreak has been reported from some parts of Dimapur and the disease has so far claimed ten lives in various parts of Dimapur town.