Chikungunya in TN: From 158 in ’18, cases almost double in four months

Despite several control and preventive measures by the State Health Department, the outbreaks continue to be reported in different regions of the State as per the data provided by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the National Centre for Disease Control.

The incidence of chikungunya in Tamil Nadu this year is comparatively higher than the past three years. While 277 cases have been recorded in just four months in 2019, it was only about 158 cases in 2018, 86 in 2016 and 113 in 2017.

Salem recorded the highest with 83 cases, while Ramanathapuram, Madurai and Erode recorded 65, 39 and 31 cases respectively. Chikungunya affected 25 people in Pudukkottai, while Trichy and Dharmapuri had 23 and 11 cases respectively with most of the samples testing positive for IgM Elisa-Chikungunya.

As per the entomological survey conducted by the State Health Department earlier this year, the samples had tested positive for the presence of Aedes larva. Following the survey, anti-larval activities were undertaken in the affected areas, said public health director, Dr K Kolandaisamy.

Government hospitals in the city are also witnessing such cases. However, government hospital authorities said that as far as Chennai is concerned there has been no outbreak of chikungunya. Only 10 cases were tested positive and the infection is under control.

“After an increased number of dengue and chikungunya were reported at the beginning of the year, fogging and source reduction activities were undertaken. Health education regarding personal protection measure was imparted by the respective district health workers. The dengue cases have declined, and we will arrest the Chikungunya outbreaks soon,” added Dr Kolandaisamy.