Citing 40 deaths, Central team plays down dengue panic

The team said it had been informed by state officials that there were around 40 deaths out of the 12,000 cases of dengue reported since January.  This, it said, did not warrant any panic and stressed on more public cooperation in eradicating the fever spread by mosquitoes. 

However, at a press conference by The Association of Doctors for Social Equality, doctors claimed that over 100 lives were lost in TN due to dengue. Out of the 100, 54 deaths had reportedly occurred in Coimbatore Government Hospital. 

Officials also hinted that there are chances that the numbers might differ. “The 40 cases reported are the confirmed ones. The number could differ from our data to that of what is being reported because of the time lapse as it takes time to confirm the reason of the deaths,” said a government official. 

During discussions with the team members, State Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar and Principal Health Secretary said they sought Rs 256 crore from the Centre to enhance its dengue control activities.