Tamil Nadu intensifies dengue surveillance

The Directorate of Public Health has appointed nodal officers in all districts to monitor dengue after surge in the number of cases in the bordering state Kerala.

CHENNAI: The Directorate of Public Health has appointed nodal officers in all districts to monitor dengue after a surge in the number of cases in the bordering state Kerala, and also as they slowly surge in Tamil Nadu. According to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme data, there were 1,655 dengue cases and one dengue-related death recorded in Tamil Nadu from January to July 8. So, the officials have intensified mosquito control measures and also surveillance of fever cases in all districts in the State. 

Meanwhile, the NVBDCP data shows that 2,564 dengue cases and 15 deaths were reported in Kerala, neighbouring Karnataka recorded 1,671 cases during the same period. The Directorate of Public Health and the district administration office have also engaged workers for fogging operation and other vector- control measures across the State. Speaking to Express Dr K Kolandaswamy, Director of Public Health, said, “We have given instruction to focus on domestic breeding sources. We have engaged workers at these breeding sources and also appointed nodal officers in all districts to monitor fever cases in an attempt not to miss any dengue case”.

“We also started fever management protocol practice to doctors and nurses in all the hospitals. Also, instructions have been given to focus on removing scrap and unwanted containers, which are breeding sources of dengue mosquitoes. We are trying to control the cases, hopefully, this year,” Kolandaswamy added. The official also said that last year water shortage also contributed much to the dengue outbreak in the state, but this year as most of the water bodies are full with surplus water, the officials are expecting it won’t be a repeat of last year.

“Water shortage was problematic last year since households stored water in barrels and other containers. These are the breeding sources of dengue mosquitoes. But, this year with surplus water in water bodies and also as we are expecting monsoon, there won't be much problem,” Kolandaswamy said. Last year, 23,294 dengue cases and 65 deaths were reported in Tamil Nadu, the highest number of cases and deaths in the country. In Kerala, 19,994 cases and 37 deaths were reported while in Karnataka the figures were 17,844 cases and 10 deaths.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com