Telangana Health Minister Denies Dengue Deaths Amid BRS Allegations
Hyderabad: Telangana Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha has refuted claims of dengue-related deaths in the state, asserting that no such cases have been reported. His statement follows allegations by senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former health minister Harish Rao, who claimed that five dengue deaths occurred in a single day this week and demanded Rs 1 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
Addressing the media on August 24, Narasimha countered these claims, labeling them as false. He outlined the causes of death for individuals reported from various districts, clarifying that they were attributed to conditions other than dengue. For instance, a 21-year-old from Kamareddy died of Meningoencephalitis, while a four-year-old in Mahbubabad succumbed to complications from congenital heart problems. Other reported deaths were attributed to viral encephalitis, atypical viral pneumonia, and cerebral vascular accidents, among other causes.
The Health Minister emphasized that the state has conducted over 63,532 tests, with 4,459 confirmed dengue cases, reflecting a positivity rate of 7.01%. To manage the situation, the health department has ensured the availability of medicines, testing kits, and logistics across healthcare centers. A comprehensive door-to-door survey, started in July, is ongoing, complemented by regular anti-mosquito measures including fogging and spraying.
Additionally, between August 15 and August 17, senior officials conducted inspections of health facilities across the state to evaluate the dengue situation. The department continues its proactive measures to prevent and manage dengue, including monitoring high-risk areas and disseminating information on preventive practices.
