First Fatality in Five Years, Malaria Claims One Life in Delhi

At least 19 malaria cases have been reported in Delhi this season until 3 September.

Praveen Sharma from east Delhi died of cerebral malaria at Safdarjung hospital. (Photo: iStock)

Praveen Sharma from east Delhi died of cerebral malaria at a hospital, in what could be the first fatality due to this vector-borne disease in the national capital in the past five years.

A resident of Mandawali, the 30-year-old died at Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday evening after suffering multi-organ failure triggered by malarial complications.

Praveen was brought to Safdarjung Hospital from Max Hospital in Patparganj area in east Delhi where he was admitted on 28 August after being diagnosed with malaria. The victim’s family claimed that Max Hospital did not update on them on Praveen’s worsening condition. The Hospital authorities denied the charges in a statement saying that he was provided “treatment as per standard protocols”.

According to website of National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), no death has occurred due to malaria in Delhi in five years from 2012 till July. At least 19 malaria cases have been reported in Delhi this season till 3 September, according to civic bodies.

(With PTI inputs.)