Rising Dengue Cases in Tamil Nadu Linked to Heavy Rainfall
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The recent heavy rains in Tamil Nadu have resulted in a concerning increase in dengue fever cases across the state. As of now, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has reported a staggering total of 23,815 dengue cases for the year 2024. This alarming rise has been particularly pronounced in November, which alone saw an increase of 4,144 cases.
Public health officials have identified the primary cause of this surge as the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, known carriers of the dengue virus, which thrive in stagnant water. The current daily count of dengue cases fluctuates between 120 and 150, with occasional spikes reaching as high as 180 cases.
The trend of increasing dengue cases has been evident since July 2024, with reported cases climbing from 2,766 in July to 3,662 in October. The month-by-month breakdown shows a worrying trajectory: 3,994 cases in August and 4,347 in September. Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, has warned that the situation may worsen in the aftermath of the recent rains.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures to prevent the spread of dengue,” Dr. Selvavinayagam stated. Fortunately, despite the increase in cases, fatalities have remained relatively low. According to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, there were 9,121 reported dengue cases and 12 deaths in 2023.
Health officials attribute the low mortality rate to the establishment of medical camps and the early identification of fever cases, which enable timely referrals for diagnostic tests and necessary tertiary care. Dr. Rajani Varrier, an entomologist, highlighted the critical importance of seeking medical attention promptly.
“In most cases of dengue-related fatalities, delays in seeking medical care have been a significant concern. If a fever persists for two days or more, it is crucial to undergo diagnostic investigations,” Dr. Varrier emphasized.
To combat the rising dengue threat, Dr. Varrier also called for enhanced intervention from domestic breeding checkers and fogging personnel to manage and reduce mosquito populations effectively. She urged the State Health Department to intensify efforts aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites in the upcoming weeks, as the incidence of dengue typically peaks until January.
As the situation develops, public health officials are implementing measures to mitigate the impact of dengue fever and protect the health of Tamil Nadu residents. The community is encouraged to take preventive steps, such as eliminating standing water around homes and using mosquito repellents, to help curb the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
In light of these developments, the health department continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond to any further increases in dengue cases as the rainy season progresses.
Stay informed about the latest health updates and take necessary precautions to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones during this challenging period.
