Rain spikes fever, alert sounded in 6 dists

According to officials, these six districts have recorded a spike in the number of fever cases. Across the State, Dharmapuri, Pudukottai and Dindigul districts have recorded a large number of fever cases this year, among which many were confirmed to be dengue and leptospirosis. Around 50 cases of dengue and 46 cases of leptospirosis were reported in these three districts in the last one month.

Till June, Tamil Nadu has recorded more than 1,001 cases of dengue. “People collect rainwater, which becomes breeding ground for mosquitoes and leads to the risk of fever and other vector borne diseases. Therefore, Public Health Department personnel have been deployed for inspection and source reduction to prevent any outbreak,” said Public Health Department Director Dr K Kolandaisamy.

Most cases were children who were treated symptomatically, he said, adding that there was no need to panic. “The alert has been issued only as a precautionary measure,” Kolandaisamy said.

Senior officials said several districts in Kerala reported fever and dengue outbreaks, raising concerns that the infection might get transmitted while travelling. Similarly, dengue outbreak was reported in urban areas of Karnataka this year and many fever cases were reported among those travelling from Tamil Nadu to other states.

The Health Department is reviewing the spread of fever cases across the State and mass cleaning drive are being undertaken to ensure hygiene and prevent fever outbreak. The officials are undertaking door-to-door testing of all fevers, distribution of oral medication and checking stagnation.

Authorities of city hospital said that the situation was under control, and that there was no outbreak in the city currently. Fever clinics would be functional if the situation arises, they added.

At the schools and also public places in the districts that have been put on alert, the Health Education Department is also taking up massive awareness campaign to sensitise people about the issues related to spread of infectious diseases, officials added.