CHENNAI: In view of the increasing number of dengue cases in TN, the State Health department has instructed officials to intensify preventive measures in all districts to prevent the spread of the fever. So far this year, 15,933 people have been affected across Tamil Nadu and 9 have died. 

Special dengue wards are also being set up separately in government and government medical college hospitals. 

The health department has ordered District Collectors to carry out dengue monitoring and coordination work, and has appointed separate 45 special nodal officers for districts. Officials have been ordered to visit districts and monitor the spread of dengue fever, record the daily incidence of the disease, and conduct inspections and studies to prevent mosquito breeding. 

Meanwhile the State government has ordered District Collectors to intensify dengue preventive works, as the reported cases are high in Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, and Chengalpattu. District administrations have been told to keep sufficient medicines such as platelets available for 24 hours. Also the public are advised to visit the hospitals as soon as they have fever.