Mukul Rahaman, Burdwan, 26 Mar. 04 :  
The district health department today have claimed to identity the `unidentified fever' that killed 6 persons of a village under Jamalpur P.S. The fever has been identified a strain of malignant malaria. Both PU & PF strains of the virus was found in the blood samples of Prasnata Mallick, a new patient admitted at the Burdwan Medical College & Hospital in critical condition with the same indication. These strains of malaria has been reported to cause cerebral attacks in the patients. 

The Dy. C.M.O.H.-II, Biswadev Show informed that, a detailed report on this matter has already been submitted to the Director of Health Services, Govt. of West Bengal. The report was also sent to Joint D.H.S., P.N.C.D. & Dy. Director, Malaria. A detailed report was also sent to the N.I.C.D. at New Delhi. The district CMOH informed that, a medical team led by the Director of Health Services & CMOH, Burdwan will visit the area tomorrow.

The strain of malignant malaria was found on many of 200 blood samples collected from the area yesterday. The Dy. CMOH-II also informed that, two persons namely Jharna Ruidas & Sk. Monirul has been identified as the primary carriers of the disease. Jharna Das has been reported to `bring-in' the disease from Murkunda, a village in Hooghly district. She died at her residence at the Resaltpur village. Sk. Monirul has been suspected to be infected at Kolkata area where he used to frequent due to his business. He started treatment under the supervision of Dr. B. Swayaika at Burdwan but didn't continue with it. He has been reported absconding since malaria virus was detected in his blood sample. The villagers couldn't persuade Manirul to be hospitalised. Jakir, who died at BMCH on 24.03.04,  has been suspected to be infected by his brother Monirul.