Prevalence of dengue in Tamil Nadu down: Health Minister

"The prevalence of dengue in Tamil Nadu is decreasing.

So far, 5,000 persons have been affected with dengue and because of proper treatment by doctors in private sector and in government hospitals almost all the dengue affected were saved," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

"Now incidence of dengue is decreasing. There are no alarming levels of deaths due to dengue. Only 15 dengue patients have died in Tamil Nadu," the minister said.

 He also said special wards had been opened in all government hospitals in the state as a precautionary measure, where round-the-clock treatment is provided to all those affected by dengue, viral fever and other illnesses.

Sufficient stock of medicines were available in government hospitals, the minister said.

He said adequate quantity of blood was also kept ready in blood banks at government hospitals.

The minister asked public not to panic over dengue or viral fever.

He participated in a marathon organised in connection with the birth centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran.

School Education minister K A Sengottiyan, Environment minister K C Karupannan and Health Secretary Radhakrishnan also took part.