# 4681
We’ve a little more information this morning about the events in Tripura, India where 20 or more people have recently died from a `mysterious illness’ (see Newshounds Watching Tripura).
According to a news report today, Tripura’s Health Minister Tapan Chakraborty is describing this as an ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), and giving the number of deaths as approximately 24 (with 17 of them children).
The cause of the respiratory infection isn’t stated, although an investigation is promised.
For now, the debate seems to have centered around political infighting and affixing blame for the spread of the illness.
Which leaves us – for the time being - not knowing whether this outbreak is due to a pneumonia, an influenza, or perhaps some other respiratory pathogen (RSV, Parainfluenza, metapneumovirus, etc.).
These reports come via Alert on FluTrackers.
ARI claims 24 lives in Tripura
Agartala | Tuesday, Jun 29 2010 ISTAt least 24 people have lost their lives since the past fortnight following sudden spread of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in remote Kangrai hamlet under North Tripura along Tripura-Mizoram border.
Health Minister Tapan Chakraborty said according to hospital records, 24 people had died so far and 50 others were admitted with ARI complications, adding that there was a possibility of few more unrecorded deaths outside the hospital. Unofficial reports said 28 people, including 17 children, had died.
The minister said initial investigation revealed that the deaths occurred due to failure of the health officials to contain the disease in the area and village panchayats were also to be blamed for their careless attitude.
''We are giving our best efforts to control the situation and we have launched investigation into the cause of spread of the disease and all the accused authorities will be dealt with as per law,'' Mr Chakraborty said.
And this from the Tripura Times.
Health Minister holds meeting with officials
Kangrai incident to rock Assembly today
Times News(EXCERPT)
Mr. Nath has already demanded resignation of Health Minister for his alleged failure to check the outbreak of the mysterious disease.The outbreak of mysterious disease that has so far claimed 26 lives has pushed the government in an awaked situation keeping in view of the Assembly session.
The deaths of mysterious disease have exposed the poor health service in the rural areas like Kangrai. Sources said, the treasury bench has also envisaged strategy on how the tackle the opposition members in the Assembly tomorrow.It has been learnt that Health Minister held a meeting with senior Health department officials where he was briefed about the steps taken by the department to tackle the situation.The steps include setting up of a special sub-centre, engagement of a paediatrician at Kanchanpur hospital and house to house surveillance in the entire subdivision.
The government today formally informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare about the outbreak of Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) at Kangrai in Kanchanpur subdivision. The outbreak of RTI has claimed 14 lives, according to an official of Health department.
Obviously, we’ll watch with interest to see what is determined to be the infectious agent in this case.
