THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the number of rabies death cases are increasing in the state, the Health department is not addressing the actual problem. This is when effectiveness of vaccine and delay in seeking treatment are becoming a reason for death.

This year in the past 8 months, 19 people have died due to dog bites. The last victim is 53-year old Perambra native Chandrika. The relatives point out that she hasd taken anti-rabies vaccine at the right time. 19-year old Sreelakshmi who died in May had also taken the vaccine. But the Health department continues to remain silent in this issue.

A death audit must be conducted on the basis of these deaths under the leadership of DMO and the report should be submitted to Public Helath department and governmenr. But no one is interested.

Despite strong accusations that the vaccine used in the state is ineffective, the health department defends it by arguing that most people have been vaccinated. Even then, the actual reason is not clear. Apart from distribution of vaccine, efforts must be made to reduce disturbance of stray dogs.