CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has reported 3,528 dengue cases and no deaths due to it this year as on August 31, showed data from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. According to doctors, more cases have been reported in the last two months with cases of other types of fever among kids also on the rise.
Dr S Srinivasan, Nodal Officer for Child Health, said, “If we test 100 fever case samples, around 15% are turning positive for dengue. One or two cases of typhoid and viral fever are also being reported. Earlier, the per day number of admissions at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai, was around 50. Now it is around 80. Almost all beds are full, but the situation is not alarming as many recover fast.” The hospital had 15 active dengue cases and 33 new fever cases on admission on Sunday.
Dr P Paranthaman, Head of Medicine Department, Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, said many patients had low platelet count. He added that people should consult a doctor if fever persists for three days, and keep themselves hydrated.
According to the Union Health Ministry data for the year 3,396 dengue cases were reported in TN as on August 31. When asked about the difference in number, Dr TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the Union government data would be rechecked, and the State figure can be taken.