Dengue claims 21 lives in Kerala; Medicine shortage adds to the plight

Health officials owe it to mosquito breeding on stagnant water after torrential rains. The virus has infected more than 11,000 people in Kerala since May. Authorities have taken measures to stop breeding of mosquitoes by insecticide fogging.

At least 21 people have lost their lives in a severe Dengue outbreak in Kerala. And adding to the woes of the health officials is the lack of medicines and staff. Following this, the government was forced to buy new hospital beds and cancel medical staff leave. Kerala's director of health services, R L Sarita said, "We are staring at a massive health crisis. There's a shortage of medicines and health professionals to tackle the situation."

As the epidemic hits the 'God's own country', one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, health officials believe that the land of backwaters is infested by dengue mosquitoes because of stagnant water caused by torrential rains. The virus causes flu-like symptoms that can also lead to deadly hemorrhagic dengue fever. The virus has infected more than 11,000 people in Kerala since May. A health professional at a Thiruvananthapuram hospital said, "Patients are lying in (hospital) corridors and availing treatment. The situation looks really bad."

Authorities have taken measures to stop breeding of mosquitoes by insecticide fogging. However, that apparently is not enough. The government is now planning to set up emergency medical camps in schools and temples.