608 dengue cases reported in Madurai: Collector

Explaining the higher number of cases reported in Madurai district in 2017 compared to previous years, the Collector said that awareness about the disease has increased and more number of people have come forward to undergo the tests.

He explained that out of 608 cases, 268 cases were reported from Madurai Corporation, 269 from rural areas, 47 from municipalities and 24 from town panchayats.

Among the 100 wards in Madurai Corporation, zero cases were reported from 22 wards and the general areas like SS colony, Ellis Nagar and Thirunagar had reported a high number of cases till April. 

In rural areas, Melur reported the maximum number of cases (51). In Melur region, villages like Uranganpatti, Vellalur and Keezhvalavu had highest number of incidence. Special attention had been paid to these villages and more than 70 domestic breeder checkers were appointed in these villages, said the Collector.

Melur region, witnessed a dengue outbreak in 2013 largely because of the open tanks constructed inside the houses. When the Collector was asked whether the practice of storing water had not changed even after dengue outbreak, he replied that earlier people did not allow the workers and health officials inside their house to inspect the water, but now officials after creating awareness about spread of dengue are carrying out frequent inspections and are working overtime to stop the spread of the disease, said the Collector.