Toll in Japanese encephalitis in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital rises to 42

SILIGURI: With the death of three persons in Japanese encephalitis in North Bengal Medical College and Hospital since Friday, the toll in the killer disease has increased to 42 in the hospital.

Hospital sources said the number of deaths in July alone was 26 and 14 others, including two children, had been admitted to different wards of the hospital with complaints arising out of the disease.

North Bengal Development Minister Goutam Deb held a meeting with the hospital authorities during the day to tackle the situation, officials said.