Andhra Pradesh government has started distributing 2.7 lakh medicated mosquito nets in a bid to contain the spread of malaria.

The nets are being distributed in eight districts, which have a large tribal population. Already, 70,000 mosquito nets have been distributed free of cost in the tribal hamlets.

The state authorities declared a 'health emergency' in Visakhapatnam [Images] in view of the epidemic in tribal areas. They have initiated steps to provide medicare to people suffering with malaria and other seasonal fevers.

Special health teams consisting of 22 programme officers and more than 150 staff have been rushed to the affected areas.

The government has deputed a senior joint director of the medical and health department exclusively to monitor tribal health.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy reviewed the situation for the second consecutive day on Thursday and asked officials to work out a comprehensive strategy and action plan to contain the epidemic in Paderu agency (tribal) area in Visakhapatnam district.

The Telugu Desam Party chief and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu [Images], who set out on a visit to tribal areas in Visakhapatnam, on Thursday blamed the state government for its failure to check the spread of the malaria epidemic. He criticised the ministers for claiming that there was no fever epidemic while many more had fallen ill. He alleged that apart from malaria, cases of anthrax were also reported in the tribal belt.

Speaking to newsmen in Hyderabad, Finance and Health Minister K Rosaiah, however, said the situation was well under control in the Paderu area as per the latest report of the district medical and health officer, Vizag.