Dengue cases double in Chennai: 1,290 reported in September

Dengue is tightening its grip on Chennai. According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department, 1,290 people were diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease in the city in September — more than double the 605 cases reported in August. As many as 72 new cases were reported on 30 September alone.

The surge is not limited to the capital. Statewide, 13,573 dengue cases were recorded between 1 January and 30 August this year, with nine deaths, and the caseload has kept climbing since. Chennai accounts for the highest share, followed by Coimbatore.

Health officials at the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital have set up dedicated adult and paediatric wards — about 100 beds in all — with isolation and mosquito netting in anticipation of the seasonal surge. "We are fully prepared for dengue management," medical superintendent Dr R. Padmanabhan said, noting adequate stocks of IV fluids, medicines, plasma and blood components.

The government has deployed more than 25,000 workers for mosquito control, sanitation, source reduction and fever surveillance. Health Minister Arun Raj said cases showed only a marginal increase in the past week and urged the public not to panic. Residents are advised to prevent water stagnation around homes and seek medical care for persistent fever.