Tamil Nadu dengue cases exceed 20,000 as Chennai intensifies prevention

Dengue cases in Tamil Nadu have surpassed 20,000 this year, according to Health Secretary Darez Ahamed. In Chennai, 4,592 cases have been recorded to date, though no deaths have been reported. Officials noted that while seasonal variations have contributed to the rise in infections, the situation in Chennai has stabilized and is showing a declining trend.

To combat the spread, the Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed 3,703 mosquito-control workers and is conducting over 100 medical camps daily. Preventive measures include the use of 1,250 larvicidal spraying machines and drone-based biological interventions in the Cooum river. The civic body has also issued approximately Rs 7.2 lakh in fines to households and establishments for improper waste management.

In preparation for the northeast monsoon, authorities are accelerating stormwater drain desilting, with 99 percent of identified blocked drains expected to be cleared shortly. The state government has allocated Rs 1,100 crore to clear pending payments, alongside a Rs 300 crore loan and Rs 100 crore from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for monsoon preparedness. Additionally, 215 relief centres and 111 community kitchens have been prepared.