17 dengue deaths in Melur area, not 50: Health minister

Health minister Dr VS Vijay today said the number of dengue deaths in the worst affected Melur area was 17 and not 50 as reported in a section of the media.

"Though unofficial reports say more than 50 persons died of dengue in Melur area, the figure is actually 17," he told reporters here after visiting the area.

The minister said necessary steps are being taken to check spread of dengue. The Melur government hospital was equipped to conduct Elisa test, he said, adding sufficient quantity of blood was available in the blood bank.

Earlier, he issued a memo to three hospital staff during his visit for reported dereliction of duty. he also started an awareness campaign by distributing pamphlets to the people.