Aggressive monitoring and surveillance along with concerted interventions have resulted in the Health and Family Welfare Department of Tamil Nadu State reporting a major decline in the mortality and spread of dengue in the state. The following is from a report by the department: “The department’s continued efforts have been imperative amid the North East Monsoon, where there has been a rise in sporadic fever and dengue cases across the state.”
Till November 2024, as many as 20,138 dengue cases have been registered in the state this year. While most patients have made complete recoveries, the state has unfortunately witnessed eight deaths, which mainly occurred due to late presentations. The Health Department insists that, even in such tragic cases, immediate medical attention could have averted the fatalities.
Improved monitoring and swift response mechanisms seem to be visible in the initiatives of the department in trying to curtail the disease spread. In general, dengue cases have been drastically low in 2024 compared to previous years; the total cases had decreased from 30,425 cases in 2022 to 29,401 cases in 2023.
In its latest statement, the department assured the public that stringent interventions were being implemented across the state to reduce further dengue-related fatalities and prevent outbreaks. These measures include increased awareness campaigns, public health advisories, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. Health authorities are also working closely with local bodies to strengthen community-level interventions and ensure that the public is vigilant in seeking medical attention when symptoms arise.
Dengue fever cases have been reported in all districts of the state, but continued surveillance by the Health Department has aided in their better management and containment. It is indicative that, as a state, there is a good initiative in improving protection against health in public areas as well as reducing vector-borne diseases.
The department has urged people to continue practicing caution such as getting rid of standing water and using mosquito repellents. Public health officers remain vigilant and promptly respond to any reports of an active dengue case which is reported.
