AGARTALA, June 28 (TIWN): Malaria epidemic situation in Tripura worsened with one more confirmed to have died from the disease. The outbreak has now spread to newer areas with alarming proximity to major sub-divisional headquarters including Agartala city. Today, Teji Rani Tripura (18) from Gayachandpara of East Sabroom in South Tripura district was confirmed to have died from malaria.

Speaking to reporters at the civil secretariat here today,  Health Minister Badal Choudhury said that the official death toll today crossed 53, malaria afflicted population crossed 11,986 till date with over 70 thousand identified fever cases across the state. The minister today denied reports of deaths of BSF jawans at Dharmanagar and said that the case was medically tested. The jawan died from acute high pressure among other ailments, he said.
Teji Rani Tripura (18) died at her household after relatives forced Sabroom rural hospital auhorities to release her in the mid of treatment process.
Asked about the latest status of the outbreak,  Health Minister Choudhury said that the disease has now spreas to newer areas like Jirania, Mohanpur and Sadar sub-divisions. A total of 13 patients were diagnosed with malaria parasite in different hospitals of Sadar sub-division today, he stated.
Choudhury assured that the state was having enough stocks of anti-malaria drugs to last at least seven days from now in the worst case scenario.
Consignments of anti malaria drugs were flown from Haryana and Orissa to the state today.
Health Minister Choudhury today visited different areas of Koaifang and Jolaibari in Shantirbazaar sub-division to assess the latest situation. All hospitals in affected areas were assured of additional doctors if necessary.