The Tamil Nadu Health Department is warning the public to be vigilant about the risks of dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, and influenza as the northeast monsoon begins.
Since January 2024, the state has recorded approximately 18,000 cases of dengue. In response, the Public Health Department is urging residents to eliminate stagnant water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
To combat the spread of these diseases, the state has launched monsoon camps aimed at identifying cases of dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, influenza, and other illnesses. Health Minister Ma Subramanian highlighted that the department is closely monitoring vector-borne diseases, especially dengue, in Tamil Nadu. Notably, ten districts—Chennai, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Tiruppur, Tiruvallur, Theni, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, and Tiruchi—account for 57 percent of the total dengue cases in the state.
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Dr. TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, stated that the health department is keeping a close watch on dengue and fever-related cases in both government and private hospitals.
It is advisable to residents to not store rainwater in discarded items, as this can create mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, the public is encouraged to drink only boiled water to avoid waterborne diseases.
Dr. Rajani, an entomologist, cautioned that bacterial diseases like typhoid may also rise during the rainy season. She recommended providing children with only clean, boiled water and urged parents to prevent their children from coming into contact with stagnant or contaminated water, which can lead to leptospirosis.
To further educate the public, the Tamil Nadu Health Department announced that district health officers will conduct awareness campaigns about vector-borne diseases. The department will also monitor private hospitals to ensure accurate identification and treatment of dengue cases.