The commissioner for health in Bauchi State, Samaila Tela, on Tuesday, said that no fewer than 394 persons died of malaria in the state in 2008. Speaking in an interview, Mr. Tela said that the disease killed 235 children under age five, 10 pregnant women and 45 others during the period under review. The commissioner said that 138,447 cases of malaria were recorded in various health facilities across the state, adding that 13, 895 cases were recorded from January to June, 2009. He attributed the high cases of malaria to poor sanitation and hygiene practices in the state.