Despite summer, dengue cases rise steadily in Tamil Nadu

Though dengue cases spike mostly during monsoon, this year cases are increasing even during the hotter months.

“The entomological incidence of dengue and other vector borne diseases were surveyed by the Health Department that confirmed the presence of vectors. The fever outbreak was reported in Madurai, Theni and Virudhunagar last month, with highest number of 67 fever cases being reported in Madurai. The laboratory tests revealed the presence of Aedes mosquito,” said Director of Public Health, Dr K Kolandaisamy.

Last month, the number of dengue cases saw a surge in the neighbouring states, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with each State recording about 70 cases. This has resulted in increase in the numbers of dengue cases in the State, as it is the travellers who are the most affected.

Senior officials from the Health Department said that district healthcare workers were investigating the reported cases. House-to-house survey was also being conducted, besides undertaking fogging, mass cleaning and disinfection activities.

Doctors ask people to stay alert and take preventive measures to keep away the infections. Children remain at higher risk, as they carry hazardous infections unknowingly when outside or in schools.

Nilavembu Kudineer has also been distributed and medical camps are also in place to prevent and control the outbreak.