In Pics: Families Torn, Hospitals Dirty in Encephalitis-Hit Bihar

In the last 20 days, almost about a 100 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital.

Children showing symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome undergo treatment at Sri Krishna Medical College Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

(Photo: AP) 

Mothers weep and fathers beat their chests as the weight of coffins continue to get heavier – this is the state Bihar's Muzaffarpur is in, as the region grapples with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

On Thursday, 20 June, the death toll due to the disease touched 121 with many suspecting the toll will rise further.

In the last 20 days, at least 100 children lost their lives in Muzaffarpur’s Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) where families have claimed that the hospital lacked operating beds and basic hygiene.

At least 100 children have died in SKMCH.

Although both the state and Central government have assured “immediate assistance” to the hospital, The Quint travelled to SKMCH to see the ground reality.

More Than Three Kids On One Bed

Bihar minister Suresh Sharma had earlier said that the hospitals do not lack medicines, however, there is a lack of beds and ICUs.

Families have repeatedly questioned government's negligence over acute shortage of beds, especially after a 2014 outbreak in the same Muzaffarpur that claimed lives of roughly 350 people.

The state of SKMCH which is facing an acute shortage of beds.

Children suffering with AES sharing beds in SKMCH. 

Doctors checking on children suffering with AES at SKMCH.

Poor Hygiene & Malnutrition

Dirt accumulated next to the beds of patients. 

According to experts, malnutrition, unhygienic conditions, humidity and heat, and weak immunity are some reasons that led to the AES outbreak in Bihar.

Nitish-led government faces a huge challenge tackling this problem in Muzaffarpur.

Unhygienic conditions outside hospital in Muzaffarpur.

The wards of the hospital are only cleaned once or twice a day and right outside there are heaps of garbage that hasn’t been cleaned since months.

Most Kids Suffering With AES Are Under 10 Years Old

Most children with fever are below 10 years of age.

Child suffering with AES being fed by family. 

Children affected with AES are malnourished.

Huge Shortage of Nurses and Doctors

Doctors have told media outlets that patients greatly outnumber doctors in Muzaffarpur. For instance, there is only one senior resident doctor, alongside three junior residents, who are attempting to treat over a hundred people.

“One doctor is treating 25 to 30 patients, and the number of nurses is also very low,” doctors told The Citizen.

Nurse tending to a patient at SKMCH.

Nurse checking fever at SKMCH.

Weeping Mothers & Broken Families

Family members mourn the loss of their child, suffering from AES.

Children showing symptoms of AES being treated in Muzaffarpur