Hyderabad: KT Rama Rao Accuses Telangana Government of Concealing Dengue Death Data Amid Health Concerns
Hyderabad’s BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has accused the Telangana government of obscuring critical data on dengue fatalities, amid growing concerns over the health crisis. On August 26, KTR took to X (formerly Twitter) to question the transparency of the data, asking, “Who is hiding the data and why?”
KTR’s remarks follow a report from the Director of Public Health, Ravinder Nayek, who recorded 4,648 dengue cases from January 1 to August 21 but reported no deaths. KTR had previously highlighted five dengue-related deaths on social media and advocated for increased sanitation efforts, awareness campaigns, and improved blood platelet availability.
In response, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha’s office dismissed allegations of dengue fatalities, attributing the rise in cases to seasonal factors such as rainfall and increased vector density. However, KTR has contested this narrative, referencing media reports of eight dengue deaths within a span of two days and questioning the accuracy of the official data.
KTR has also criticized state-run hospitals for their inadequate resources and overcrowded conditions. In his tweet, he urged the government to acknowledge the severity of the situation and declare a health emergency.
In parallel, medical professionals in Telangana have issued warnings about staying hydrated due to the surge in dengue cases. The heavy monsoon rains have exacerbated the outbreak of dengue, malaria, and typhoid by creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Dr. Azeezuddin emphasized the critical need for hydration, particularly for older adults. He noted that each degree Celsius increase in temperature above 39°C (102°F) could lead to a 25% increase in fluid loss through sweating and breathing, making older individuals particularly susceptible to dehydration during the febrile phase of dengue.
The combination of increased disease incidence and concerns over data transparency highlights the urgent need for effective public health responses and transparent communication from authorities.
